Ethan Mbappé sent off in UCL: at least 3-match ban

According to L'Équipe, Ethan Mbappé was sent off during Lille–Betis in the Champions League (2-3), in their opening match of the campaign against Betis Séville this Tuesday. The French side were reduced to ten men in the 56th minute after the winger delivered a blow to Natan’s face with an elbow, as the Sevilla centre-back was moving behind him near the centre circle.

The report says the incident could fall under UEFA’s disciplinary rules for “misconduct by players and officials”, with it potentially being classified as “violent conduct” or “assault”. That would trigger an automatic ban for Lille’s next UCL match, scheduled for October 13 against Arsenal.

From three to five games

After reviewing the referee’s report, UEFA’s CEDB can increase the suspension to three matches (or set a specific length), and it could even be extended to five if the action is reclassified as “serious assault”. L’Équipe adds that the decision should be known before the end of September, with Mbappé and Lille able to appeal.

For now, the likely outcome is that he misses at least the next three Lille fixtures in the competition while the final ruling is pending.