According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United loanee Eric Bailly has received a seven-match suspension for his Kung-fu challenge in the French Cup earlier this month.
The Ivorian is currently at Marseille on a season-long loan, but things have not been easy for him. Bailly has struggled to establish himself for a regular starting position in league games, and he has also sustained unfortunate injuries that have kept him out of manager Igor Tudor’s plans.
Following his weird Kung-fu kick on Hyeres midfielder Almike Moussa N’Diaye in the French Cup round of 32, he is now expected to miss a significant amount of time.
The center-back’s foot made heavy contact with N’Diaye’s right side of the chest. The midfielder had to be sent to the hospital since the foul was so serious. N’Diaye sustained a few broken ribs in addition to minor liver and lung injuries, but fortunately he is making a full recovery. Because of this, Bailly is now serving a seven-game suspension.
Due to the United defender’s decent behaviour record throughout the years, the French Football Federation’s disciplinary commission decided to lower the original eight- or nine-game suspension decision. Bailly has already missed the games against Troyes and Lorient, and he will now miss the following five games.
Les Phoceens have the option to sign Bailly for €6 million at the end of the current campaign; however, given the results of this campaign, the club may decide not to exercise the option.
If that occurs, United might still decide to let him go in the summer because manager Erik ten Hag is not likely to guarantee him regular first-team action at Old Trafford. Last year, Bailly enjoyed a successful preseason tour of Australia and Thailand, but he was unwilling to stay at the club as he demanded regular playing time.
