Plzeň Player Sent Off for Punching Opponent in the Face in Teplice Clash

In a Czech first-league match between Plzeň and Teplice, home defender David Krčík, a Slovak international, was shown a straight red card for striking an opponent in the face. The incident occurred in the 89th minute, with the game eventually ending in a thrilling 5:5 draw.

The flashpoint came as a long ball from Teplice goalkeeper Matouš Trmal dropped into the Plzeň half. As the play developed, Krčík struck forward Zlatohlávek in the face with his forearm — possibly even his fist. Following a brief scuffle on the pitch, referee Jan Machálek sent the Slovak off, while Zlatohlávek got away with only a yellow card.

Coach's Reaction

Plzeň head coach Martin Hyský admitted that the blow likely did happen, even though the referee did not consult VAR on the incident. “If only David had kept his cool… At the moment he got the red card, and with no video review, there was clearly an extra hit involved. I don’t accept his reaction. He punished both the team and himself,” the coach said.

According to Hyský, in the closing stages of the match the hosts came under heavy pressure, conceding a string of corners, and the situation could have turned out even worse for his side. In the end, Plzeň held firm during the set pieces, survived several dangerous moments, and salvaged a 5:5 draw — though in the locker room, the result felt more like a defeat given how strongly the team had started the game.

Krčík now faces a hearing before the disciplinary committee, scheduled for Thursday. For an incident of this kind, the defender risks a suspension of several matches.

Around Prague, based on reporting by sport.cz