Leroy Sané: Red Card Woes and Euro Preparations Delayed
In the recent clash against Austria, the DFB's attacking powerhouse, Leroy Sané (27), found himself in hot water. After a heated duel with opponent Phillipp Mwene, Sané retaliated with a punch, following Mwene's neck grab instigation.
The football world governing body, FIFA, will now examine the incident and decide on the relevant punishment. FIFA's rules dictate a minimum of three games or an "appropriate period of time" for "assaults," including elbowing, punching, kicking, biting, spitting, or striking. Given Mwene's provocative behavior, Sané might have a slightly lighter sentence, as he might only face a two-match ban at best.
Regardless, Sané will likely miss out on the upcoming March internationals against Holland and France, representing significant preparation time lost before the June 7 nomination deadline for the European Championship squad selection. To add to this hurdle, Leroy Sané had expressed his remorse to his teammates in the dressing room, acknowledging his lack of self-control in the game.
The debacle left many team members, including captain Ilkay Gündogan (33) and ex-international Rudi Völler, disappointed in the outcome. As Völler put it, "Normally the other player has to be sent off because he reacted first. We have to be cleverer."
Lucidly, the German team was passionate for once, with both sides forming a pack to intervene, eventually quelling the situation.
- After receiving a red card in the game against Austria, Leroy Sané expressed regret to his teammates, acknowledging that he had let his emotions get the better of him during the match and should have shown greater self-control.
- With the Austrian team taking advantage of Leroy Sané's absence, the German side missed crucial European Championship preparation time, as Sané will likely miss the international matches against Holland and France, potentially impacting his selection for the tournament.
- The impact of Sané's suspension might burden the German squad, as the team struggles to gain a foothold following recent results, and should aim to regain form before the start of the European Championship.
