Source:REUTERS/Andrew Boyers
[Saba Sports News] According to Italian media, Fiorentina striker Moise Kean has been banned for two matches in European competition. During the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League playoff last week, Fiorentina defeated Ukrainian team Polissya Zhytomyr 3–0 away. Notably, in the 44th minute of the match, Kean had his hair pulled by an opponent, retaliated with an elbow, and was subsequently sent off with a red card. This week, UEFA’s disciplinary body announced the punishment for Kean: a two-match ban due to the red card. Initially, media speculated that Kean might face a three-match ban, but the disciplinary body stated that Kean’s action did not constitute violent conduct, hence the two-match suspension. This means Kean will miss the second leg of the playoff, and if Fiorentina advances, he will also be absent for the first match of the group stage. In response, Fiorentina manager Stefano Pioli said: “Kean made a mistake; his reaction warranted a red card. But the opponent who pulled his hair should also be punished. I feel sorry for Kean; he will learn from this. He will come back with greater motivation and perform well in the Serie A opener against Cagliari.”