West Ham United’s Europa League journey may be over, but their European aspirations could face a further blow. Star striker Michail Antonio’s fiery post-match comments criticising the referee raise the possibility of a UEFA ban, potentially sidelining him from future European competitions.
Following the Hammers’ second-leg defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, Antonio vented his frustration with referee Jose Maria Sanchez, as reported by the Daily Mirror. He blasted Sanchez’s officiating, claiming a lack of fair decisions and implying bias.
These harsh words could lead to UEFA taking disciplinary action, potentially suspending Antonio from European matches. This would be a significant setback for West Ham, who are aiming to qualify for European competition again next season.
Despite a valiant effort at the London Stadium, West Ham couldn’t overturn the 2-goal deficit from the first leg. Antonio’s early strike ignited hope for a comeback, but Leverkusen, currently unbeaten and German champions, secured their place in the semi-finals with a late goal by Jeremie Frimpong.
While the team received a well-deserved ovation from the home crowd for their fighting spirit, Antonio’s outburst casts a shadow on West Ham’s European future. A potential UEFA ban for their striker could severely hamper their performance in any upcoming continental campaign.
Considering this site has spent the last couple of weeks saying we are moving on from Antonio and his contract won’t be renewed, it doesn’t really matter to us does it?