Mbappé could be banned for five Champions League games. Why?
Ethan Mbappé could pay a very high price for losing his cool against Real Betis.
Details: According to L'Équipe, Lille midfielder Ethan Mbappé faces at least a three-match Champions League suspension following his straight red card against Real Betis, while the punishment could potentially be increased to five matches.
The Frenchman was sent off in the 56th minute of Lille's 3-2 defeat after deliberately catching Real Betis defender Natan in the face with his elbow near the centre circle. The referee reviewed the incident on the VAR monitor before showing Mbappé a straight red card, while Natan was booked for his role in the confrontation.
The reason the suspension could become so severe lies in Article 15 of the 2026 UEFA Disciplinary Regulations. Assaulting another player carries a standard three-match suspension, while serious assault is punishable by five competition matches or a specified period.
UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will study the referee's report and determine how the episode should be classified. L'Équipe reports that a final decision is expected before the end of September, with Mbappé and Lille having the right to appeal.
Mbappé had actually started the night impressively, providing the assist for Ayase Ueda's opening goal. At 19 years and 253 days, he became Lille's third-youngest player to register a Champions League goal involvement, but later also became the first player in the club's history to receive a straight red card in the competition.
Reminder: Disaster! Mbappé gets a straight red card in Champions League clash
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
