Sergio Aguero has been banned by the English Football Association for violent conduct. The Manchester City forward will serve a three-game suspension, beginning with the Manchester Derby, after having his appeal rejected by the independent panel, despite the FA also offering him an extension to prepare his argument.
The news presents a great problem for City boss Pep Guardiola, as Manchester City face off in a top-of-the-table clash against Manchester United on September 10th. Aguero will also miss the following Premier League game against Bournemouth and the EFL cup clash against Swansea City later, although City ought to have enough firepower even without Aguero.
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Aguero was banned for an incident against West Ham, where he elbowed Winston Reid in the 76th minute. However, the clash was not seen by the referee, despite Reid having to be substituted later. Thus, the FA was able to use video replays to determine if Aguero was to be punished and then subsequently charged him.
The forward was initially only given 24 hours to defend himself, but after his request, the FA extended his hearing by a day. Manchester City contested that the three-match ban was harsh, since greater physical alterations were also served with a three-match ban.
However, the independent panel appointed by the FA did not accept that line of reasoning and have upheld that Sergio Aguero be banned for three games.
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The news is sure to come as a boost for Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, as he looks to continue his perfect record in charge of Manchester United. Pep Guardiola, on the other hand, will have to make do with youngster Kelechi Iheanacho upfront, after Wilfried Bony was sent out on loan.
Here is the FA’s statement in full :
Sergio Aguero will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after an FA charge of violent conduct against him was found proven.
The Manchester City forward was involved in a 76th-minute incident with West Ham United’s Winston Reid on Sunday [28 August 2016], which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video.
The club denied the charge and submitted further that, if it was to be found proven, the standard punishment would be clearly excessive.
On finding the charge proven at a hearing today (Friday 2 September 2016), an Independent Regulatory Commission went on to reject the club’s further claim to decrease the three-match ban.
