Man City defender banned for three European matches
England international Kyle Walker, the Manchester City back, has been suspended for three matches in European competitions, against the background of the red card he received against Leipzig in the group stage of the Champions League this season.
The right-back was sent off immediately after a harsh intervention against Portuguese striker Andre Silva in the 82nd minute of the match that City lost 2-1 on December 7.
The suspension issued by the European Football Association (UEFA) Disciplinary Committee today will lead to the absence of Walker from the two matches of the final price against Sporting Portugal, and the first leg of the quarter-finals if his team qualifies, or the first European match of next season.
The committee considered the interference an "assault" in the disciplinary indictments.
City, runners-up last season, was among the top of its group before the last match in the group stage.
With this decision, Spanish coach Pep Guardiola may pay the price for putting a strong starting line-up in an unimportant match.
He said after the match, "The red card is harmful, especially to the last eight. Kyle Walker is an important player for us and we didn't have to lose him like that. I hope he learns from that."
City, who lost the final last year to his compatriot Chelsea, will return to Lisbon on February 15, while the return leg will be played at the Etihad Stadium on March 9.
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