By Martin Graham
Bayern’s Colombian attacker Luis Díaz succeeded in reducing his European suspension after contesting the initial judgment from UEFA. The governing body confirmed that his challenge against the accusation of excessively forceful conduct was accepted, though it did not clarify the reasoning behind the altered outcome.
As a result, his punishment now stands at two fixtures rather than three. Bayern will still be without him for the upcoming visit of Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, but he will be cleared to rejoin the squad for next month’s clash with Union Saint-Gilloise.
Díaz had delivered two goals before his dismissal in Bayern’s narrow victory over Paris Saint-Germain. His late challenge from behind caused Achraf Hakimi’s left leg to twist awkwardly as both players went to ground, prompting the referee to send him off.
Although the revised verdict reduces his absence, he must still serve a suspension longer than the automatic one-match penalty normally issued for a straight red card.
Comparison with Ronaldo’s sanction
The case echoes another recent high-profile disciplinary decision, but with a notably different outcome. FIFA imposed a three-match ban on Cristiano Ronaldo for a heavy challenge in a meeting with Ireland; however, two matches were deferred on the condition of good behavior.
The suspended portion of Ronaldo’s punishment means he is unlikely to miss games at the beginning of what will be his sixth World Cup appearance next year.
This contrasting approach highlights how similar offenses can lead to distinct consequences depending on the governing body, the specifics of the incident, and the discretion applied by disciplinary panels.
