Spanish Football Rocked by Controversy: Sergio Francisco Requests Anti-Doping Test for Lamine Yamal
Spanish football woke up to an unprecedented scandal this morning after Real Sociedad manager Sergio Francisco demanded an immediate anti-doping test for Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal following their thrilling 2-2 draw at the Reale Arena.
Francisco, who only took charge of La Real in July after years leading the club’s B team, made the request moments after Yamal’s stunning late equaliser. The 18-year-old produced a dazzling performance with three assists and a last-minute volleyed goal, leaving the home fans stunned and the coach visibly rattled.
At his post-match press conference, Francisco hinted at suspicion: “It was inhuman, as if he didn’t feel fatigue.” Minutes later, he formally asked referee Jesús Gil Manzano and LFP officials for an anti-doping control, insisting: “It’s not an accusation, it’s about protecting the integrity of the competition.”
The move, captured live by Movistar cameras, sparked an immediate firestorm. While sections of the Reale Arena crowd applauded his “courage,” Barcelona figures exploded with anger. Pedri slammed it as “an insult to an 18-year-old,” while former coach Xavi Hernández branded it “a lack of respect.”
The LFP acted swiftly, carrying out the test in the visitors’ dressing room. By mid-morning, results confirmed Yamal was completely clean, with all biological markers within normal limits. The announcement instantly shifted the narrative — from suspicion of the player to scrutiny of the coach.
A visibly shaken Francisco faced the media again at Zubieta just hours later, issuing what commentators described as a “historic” apology: “This club is built on values, and today I failed them.” Fighting back tears, he admitted regret for his judgment and accepted responsibility for the fallout.
The reactions have been polarising. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick defended his player: “Lamine is pure — in body and soul. The apology is welcome, but the damage is done.” Yamal himself kept it short on Instagram: “Thank you for the support. Back to work.” His post quickly amassed millions of likes.
At Real Sociedad, players rallied around their manager. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal declared: “Sergio is the best. This only makes us stronger.” Yet rival fans were far less forgiving, flooding social media with hashtags like #FueraSergio and mocking memes. The LFP has launched an internal review but early indications suggest no formal sanction will follow.
The controversy comes at a delicate time for Francisco, whose side sit fifth in LaLiga with 12 points but just one win in their last four outings. Once praised for his honesty and faith in La Real’s academy, he now faces the toughest test of his fledgling top-flight career.
For Yamal, meanwhile, the episode is another milestone in his meteoric rise. With 12 goals and 15 assists already this season, the teenager remains Spanish football’s brightest hope — and, after this storm, more vindicated than ever.
Football has once again shown that its dramas outstrip any fiction. The question now is whether Francisco can weather this storm — or whether this night will define his career. One truth, however, is already certain: Lamine Yamal has passed not just a doping test, but a test of character.
