UEFA extend ban on Antoine Griezmann for the foul against Liverpool star Roberto Firmino
According to Marca (h/t Liverpool Echo), UEFA are set to punish Antoine Griezmann with an added match’s ban following the heavy foul on Liverpool star Roberto Firmino.
Liverpool visited Wanda Metropolitano on October 19 to play their away Champions League group fixture against Atletico Madrid. It was an eventful game with no lack of drama.
The Reds started the game well with early goals from Mohamed Salah, and Naby Keita saw the Mersyside team get an early 2-0 lead over the host. But the lead was transient as Antoine Griezmann’s two goals in 14 minutes made them level on terms.
But, in the 52nd minute, the Atletico Madrid protagonist did a high booted challenge on Firmino that caught him on the head and neck. This challenge was dangerous enough to land Griezmann a straight red card.
The incident gave a considerable advantage to the Merseyside team, who took the upper hand over the ten men Madrid team and secured a 3-2 win with the help of Mohamed Salah’s penalty.
Initially, the French forward received a one-match ban that obliged him to miss the return leg against Jurgen Klopp’s team. The reds achieved a convincing 2-0 win over Diego Simeone’s men in the game.
The Argentine manager was hoping to get his star forward back in action against AC Milan on Wednesday’s fixture. But, the UEFA has decided to extend the ban and land another match suspension for the 30-year-old forward.
The suspension could land a massive blow in the Atletico camp, whose qualification hopes has become slim. With the two defeats against the Reds, Atletico has one win in four games. Furthermore, they are trailing one point behind second-placed Porto with two more games left.
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It is believed that Atletico will appeal UEFA’s decision in the hope to get the suspension cancelled.
The Merseyside team stands top of the table with 12 points and a guaranteed place in the round of 16. Jurgen Klopp would be relieved to go to the final two games, and he has the option to rest some of his key players to prevent further injuries.
