MONACO star Gelson Martins has been banned from football for SIX MONTHS for pushing a referee during the 3-1 defeat to Nimes last month.
The Portuguese international was shown a straight red card for shoving official Mikael Lesage twice after being left enraged by the decision to send team-mate Tiemoue Bakayoko off moments prior.
Gelson Martins has been slapped with a six-month suspension for pushing a refereeCredit: AFP or licensors
The Portuguese international’s angry reaction to being red-carded has likely cost him a place at Euro 2020Credit: AFP or licensors
Former Chelsea misfit Bakayoko was dismissed for a stamp on Romain Philippoteaux that saw Martins quickly follow suit for pushing the referee.
The 24-year-old then bizarrely manhandled match official Lesage for a second time after he was given his marching orders before players from both teams had to pull him away.
Ligue 1’s governing body – the LFP – initially slapped Martins with an indefinite ban until they reached their verdict.
And they have now deemed that the “brutality” of the incident merited a hefty six-month suspension to KO the former Sporting Lisbon star’s season.
A statement read: “In light of the nature of the events, the Disciplinary Committee, on February 6, 2020, suspended the player as a precautionary measure.
“After examining the evidence and hearing the player’s arguments, the Committee has decided to sanction Gelson Martins with a suspension of six months.
“That decision takes effect from February 6, 2020.”
A consequence of the lengthy ban means Martins will not be able to play domestic football again until Ligue 1 restarts in August.
His suspension also makes it likely he will be excluded from Portugal’s Euro 2020 selection as they bid to defend their crown.
Martins was part of Fernando Santos’ World Cup squad that reached the round of sixteen before they lost 2-1 to Uruguay.
The attacker had issued an apology for his actions on social media after the match, admitting that his outburst was unacceptable and out of character.
While condemning Martin’s unjustifiable behaviour, Monaco had hoped his good disciplinary record would have counted in his favour.
The Stade Louis II-based side also dubbed the verdict “a very heavy sanction” and “excessive”.
Monaco are currently seventh in Ligue 1, six points behind LOSC Lille, with Martins having registered four goals and one assist this season.
Arsenal transfer target Gelson Martins banned INDEFINITELY by Ligue 1 for pushing referee twice after Monaco red card
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
