Marcelo received a straight red card in the 88th minute of Real Madrid's 1-1 draw against Levante at the Bernabéu this afternoon, Saturday 9 September, on matchday 3 of LaLiga.

Straight red for Marcelo

With Real Madrid throwing everything at Levante in the closing stages of the game to try and grab a winner, Marcelo ran through into the box and got his shot off before clashing with Lerma. As the Real Madrid player fell he swung out with his boot at the Levante player and an eagle-eyed referee, Alejandro José Hernández Hernández, spotted the infraction and sent the player straight off.

Full screen Marcelo about to be sent off after kicking Lerma SUSANA VERA (REUTERS)

Marcelo suspension

Marcelo could be suspended for up to four games for the sending off, but the referee's report makes it appear likely that he will receive the minimum sentence of a two game ban for a straight red, with the ref not making any mention of violent conduct, but merely having "kicked out".

That would mean either a two or three game ban, with precedent indicating the former more likely. Real Madrid's next games are Real Sociedad away, Betis at home, Alavés away and Real Madrid v Espanyol.