Why did David Ruiz receive three yellow cards for Inter Miami against Monterrey?

Inter Miami midfielder David Ruiz endured a difficult night against Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The youngster was showed a red card with 20 minutes remaining - at which point Miami were ahead - and watched from the sidelines as the visitors fought back for a 2-1 win.

The dismissal of Ruiz was the turning point in a tense game at Chase Stadium, handing Monterrey the momentum ahead of the second leg. But at one point it looked as if Miami would go down to ten men even earlier after an administrative mix-up.

David Ruiz was falsely credited with a yellow card towards the end of the first half when a number of Miami players protested the decision to award Monterrey a free kick near to the hosts’ box. The in-game statistics team thought that Ruiz had been booked for his reaction, but it later transpired that Jordi Alba had actually been the recipient.

Just after the hour-mark Ruiz committed a foul in the midfield and was awarded a yellow card as a result. Those watching on at home, and presumably many in the stadium, were baffled to see that Ruiz was not subsequently sent off after seemingly picking up two yellow cards. But, just minutes later, Ruiz flicked a hand at Maximiliano Meza and received his second genuine yellow card of the game. That was enough for the 20-year-old to receive his marching orders and the task at hand for Inter Miami got significantly more difficult.

How long is the David Ruiz suspension?

Wednesday’s red card was the second of Ruiz’s young career and one that comes at an inopportune moment for Tata Martino. His presence in midfield has offered the crucial energy to compliment the more cerebral Sergio Busquets, who can no longer cover sufficient ground in the midfield.

David Ruiz will receive a one-game suspension after receiving a second yellow card against Monterrey.

The Honduran has found himself given greater opportunities this year in the aftermath of injuries to Benjamin Cremaschi and Federico Redondo. Cremaschi has returned to light training this week but, having not featured at all in 2024, will be very low on match fitness. Redondo is still out for more than a month.

Assuming that neither of those injured midfielders are able to start in the return leg against Monterrey next week, Inter Miami will likely have to play Julian Gressel in midfield. Martino could give an opportunity to another young midfielder - such as Yannick Bright or Lawson Sunderland - but it would be a big risk in such a high-pressure game.