By Martin Graham
from Bavaria Colombian striker Luis Diaz managed to have his European ban reduced after appealing UEFA’s initial ruling. The governing body confirmed that his challenge to the charge of unduly forceful conduct was upheld, although it did not clarify the reasoning behind the overturned result.
As a result, his punishment now sits at two matches instead of three. Bayern will still be without him for the next visit of Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, but he will be allowed to rejoin the squad for next month’s clash with Union Saint-Gilloise.
Diaz had scored twice before his dismissal in Bayern’s narrow victory Paris Saint-Germain. His late challenge brought on from behind by Achraf Hakimi his left leg twisted awkwardly as both players went to the ground, prompting the referee to send him off.
Although the revised verdict reduces his absence, he still has to serve a longer suspension than the automatic one-match penalty normally carried out by a straight red card.
Comparison with Ronaldo’s penalty
The case echoes another recent high-profile disciplinary decision, but with a markedly different outcome. FIFA imposed a three-match ban Cristiano Ronaldoor for a great challenge in a meeting with Ireland; however, two games were postponed on the condition of good behavior.
The suspended part of Ronaldo’s punishment means he is unlikely to miss games at the start of what will be his sixth World Cup appearance next year.
This contrasting approach highlights how similar offenses can have different consequences depending on the governing body, the specifics of the incident and the discretion applied by disciplinary tribunals.
