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UEFA has banned Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller for two matches after he was sent off against Ajax in the final match of the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Bayern announced UEFA’s decision on Twitter and confirmed they would appeal the suspension:
FC Bayern English @FCBayernEN
UEFA have suspended @esmuellert_ for two @ChampionsLeague games following his red card against Ajax. #FCBayern will appeal the decision. https://t.co/cPdPLkDlSR
If the ban is upheld, the forward will miss both legs of Bayern’s last-16 tie with Liverpool.
Muller received his marching orders in the 3-3 draw after a high kick on Nicolas Tagliafico that left the Argentinian requiring staples and stitches to the back of his head:
Football on BT Sport @btsportfootball
“Everybody was kung-fu fighting!” 😮
Thomas Muller saw red for this moment of madness against Ajax…
No arguments there 👀 https://t.co/nnQMoYlXkB
B/R Football @brfootball
Yep, that’s a red card 🔴
[🎥: U.S. Only] https://t.co/GayBxNb0ah
The forward took to Twitter to apologise to the left-back after the match:
ESPN UK @ESPNUK
Thomas Muller apologises to Nico Tagliafico on Twitter after THAT high kick.
It’s a nice gesture at least 🤷♂️ https://t.co/81myBHwlgH
Football.London’s Greg Johnson likened the sending off to the red card received by Nani while playing for Manchester United against Real Madrid in 2013, which was for a high challenge on Alvaro Arbeloa.
However, the Portugal winger was only given a one-match ban by UEFA.
Muller, who has contributed five goals and six assists for Bayern in 25 matches this season, is not having the best campaign of his career.
However, he can be one of the Bavarian outfit’s biggest difference-makers, thanks to his almost unrivalled ability to find space and exploit it.
If he misses both legs against Liverpool, it will be a significant blow to Bayern’s chances of progressing.
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