20 January 2023 , 07:57
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Marseille boss Igor Tudor claimed Eric Bailly's seven-match ban was "excessive" despite his challenge leaving his opponent in hospital.
The defender, currently on loan in the south of France from Manchester United, was sent-off at the weekend during a Coupe de France contest against fourth division side Hyeres. The incident occurred in the 15th minute with Bailly and Moussa N'Diaye both going for a bouncing ball.
The Ivorian international was beaten to the ball but the recklessness of his challenge saw him kick N’Diaye on the right-hand side of his chest. The tackle was anything but a conventional one and resulted in the 28-year-old being shown a straight red card. N'Diaye received medical attention on the pitch but had to eventually be taken away in an ambulance to hospital for further checks.
Despite the ugly challenge being punished, Tudor feels as if the subsequent ban is more than necessary. He said: “I believe the punishment is excessive, but the decision has been made and there’s nothing we can do about it. We have the resources to play differently, we’ve already played two matches without him, tomorrow we’ll play another, and then there will only be four matches left.”
Bailly's absence means he will miss the next round of the cup against Rennes. It also rules him out of their upcoming league games with Marseille aiming to chase down leaders PSG. A run of six wins on the bounce has allowed them to close to within five points.
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Tudor brought Bailly in during the summer and has been impressed with his efforts. He said earlier this month: "I have already said it, we have arranged a special regime for the physical preparation for him. I liked what I saw, I even saw a big level. He has a high quality level. It's a good start. Let's hope he gets that continuity he needs. We are going to work for it."
Eric Bailly's rash challenge earned him a red card and a seven-game ban (@eurofootcom/Twitter)Bailly had fallen way down the pecking order in Manchester, having previously struggled for games under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof were originally ahead of him before Raphael Varane then came to Old Trafford 18 months ago.
Erik ten Hag added Lisandro Martinez in his first summer, which further pushed Bailly down the list. As a result the player, signed by Jose Mourinho way back in 2016, opted for a temporary switch to the Stade Velodrome.
Back in 2021 the Ivorian penned a new deal which will keep him in Manchester until 2024, although he may review his options before that point with game time under new United boss Ten Hag set to be limited.