Matan Baltaksa Receives Rare Double Yellow Card Leading to Red in Champions League Qualifier

In a rare disciplinary incident during the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, Matan Baltaksa, a player for Hapoel Be'er Sheva, was sent off after receiving two yellow cards within two seconds. The match against Red Star Belgrade saw Be'er Sheva take the lead, but early in the second half, Baltaksa's dismissal left the team with ten players.

The incident occurred during a counterattack by Red Star, when Baltaksa clearly fouled Bukari to stop the play. Although the ball continued to Sol Young-woo, who advanced further, Baltaksa then slid and fouled him as well. Each foul was deemed worthy of a yellow card. The Spanish referee, Miguel Manzano, surprised spectators by issuing two yellow cards in quick succession for the same sequence, resulting in an immediate red card for Baltaksa.

This unusual refereeing decision significantly impacted the match dynamics, forcing Hapoel Be'er Sheva to play with one less player. The incident highlights the strict enforcement of rules in high-stakes Champions League qualifiers and the challenges players face in critical defensive moments.