Man Utd's Eric Bailly gets HUGE ban after putting opponent in intensive care

Cameron Smith

• 19 Jan 2023 21:20 GMT
• 3 min read

Eric Bailly has been handed a seven-game suspension by the French Football Federation after he kung-fu kicked Almike Moussa N'Diaye during Marseille's Coupe de France clash with fourth-tier side Hyeres in early January.

The Ivory Coast defender is currently on loan at Ligue 1 side Marseille from Manchester United, where he remains contracted until 2024. However, the French side are obligated to purchase Bailly on a permanent deal for €6m subject to appearances and whether Marseille qualify for the Champions League.

The incident occurred just 15 minutes into Marseille's game against Hyeres, which they eventually won 2-0, despite Bailly's early sending off. It was his seventh career red card. N'Diaye spent a brief period of time being treated in intensive care after the challenge.

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It led to a review by the FFF and following a disciplinary hearing, it was determined that Bailly would be handed a seven-game ban.

What have Marseille said?

In an official club statement, Marseille said: "Olympique de Marseille takes note of the decision of the Federal Disciplinary Commission of the French Football Federation concerning the suspension of its defender Eric Bailly. The club reserves the right to appeal.

"Above all, OM wishes a speedy recovery to Moussa N'Diaye, midfielder of Hyères 83 FC, whom the club and Eric Bailly have supported since his injury.

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"Olympique de Marseille regrets, however, that the confidentiality of this disciplinary decision was not respected before it was notified.

"Also and above all, Olympique de Marseille notes the difference in the application of the scale of reference sanctions by the disciplinary commissions of the FFF and the LFP, while these two bodies have an impact on the same competition, in this case Ligue 1.

"Olympique de Marseille is firmly convinced that a standardization of the criteria of sanction impacting the same competition is necessary to guarantee sporting fairness.

"The club is at the disposal of the authorities to share its position and contribute to the development of French football."

Bailly has already served two matches of the ban, meaning the next fixture he'll be able to play in is Marseille's away trip to Toulouse on February 19.