August 11, (THEWILL) – Former Real Madrid legend, Marcelo, was handed a three-match ban by CONMEBOL this week, following his dangerous challenge on Argentinos Juniors defender, Luciano Sanchez, last week.
The tackle during the Copa Libertadores clash in Buenos Aires left Sanchez with a shocking leg fracture. The 35-year-old Fluminense left-back lunged in on Sanchez as he dribbled past him, catching the Argentine high on the shin with force. Sanchez’s leg buckled at an alarming angle, leaving him writhing in agony on the pitch before being stretchered off. Doctors later confirmed he had suffered a fracture the team doctor had “never seen before”.
Marcelo was sent off in tears after the incident in the 1-1 draw in the last-16 first leg. “Today I had a very difficult moment on the pitch,” he posted on Instagram later that night. “I unintentionally injured a fellow player. I want to wish him the best possible recovery. All the strength in the world.”
In addition to the three-match suspension, CONMEBOL also handed Marcelo a $6,000 fine on Thursday. He has already served the first game of his ban by sitting out the second leg, which Fluminense won 2-0 to advance. The nasty injury and subsequent suspension will come as a blow to the veteran, who returned to his boyhood club Fluminense in 2022 after 15 trophy-laden seasons with Real Madrid.
However, there are voices of dissension with the punishment. Critics argue that it is a slap on the wrist because of the damage done to Sanchez, who may be out for the rest of the season while Marcelo can return to his game after two fixtures. The fact of Marcelo being a veteran, with a wealth of professional experience, should have been factored into the punishment, they insist.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
