Real Madrid faces expulsion from Copa del Rey for fielding Denis Cheryshev

Real Madrid is at risk of being expelled from the Copa del Rey after fielding Denis Cheryshev in the first half of Wednesday's fixture at Cadiz, according to Spanish publication AS.

Cheryshev, who accumulated three yellow cards whilst playing for Villareal last year in the competition, should have been suspended for the match, as three yellow cards merit a one-game ban.

On March 4, 2015, Villarreal was eliminated from the 2014-15 Copa del Rey by virtue of a defeat to Barcelona in which Cheryshev picked up his third yellow card of the competition. Two days later, the Real Federacion Espanola de Futbol (RFEF) published a document that confirmed his suspension.

(Courtesy: @English_AS)

The Russian international scored the match's opening goal in the third minute to give the visitors a first-half advantage, though Real Madrid's 3-1 victory is shrouded by mystery in advance of an official statement from the RFEF.

News traveled quickly, with Cadiz fans serenading Real boss Rafa Benitez with a chorus of "Benitez, look at Twitter."

Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC contends that Real Madrid thought there was an amnesty for its summer signing, thus meriting his inclusion from the team sheet.

Even with the potential pending suspension, Corrigan argues that Cadiz must file a formal complaint with the RFEF in order for Spanish football's governing body to make a decision on Cheryshev's eligibility.

Cadiz's official Twitter account released a statement at the half, conceding that their board of directors will convene after the match to address the issue.

In light of the potential suspension, Cheryshev was taken off at the half.

To compound issues for the La Liga giants, AS reported that Spanish striker Borja Mayoral could be ruled ineligible as well for a red card the teenager picked up in this year's Copa del Rey Juvenil.