Cresswell suspension explained

Aaron Cresswell is set to miss the second leg of the quarter-final against Lyon but he should return for the clash with either Barcelona or Eintracht Frankfurt if the Hammers go through.

The left-back was sent off in the final minutes of the first half against the French club, as he pulled Mousa Dembele back while the last man.

Referee Felix Zwayer had no hesitation in showing a red, a hugely controversial decision given that it appeared that Jarrod Bowen was fouled in the build-up.

Per UEFA’s rules, a straight red card in the Europa League means that the player will miss one game, automatically.

However, the UEFA Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body does have the right to extend that in the case of serious offences.

For Cresswell, it’s very likely that he’ll only face a one-match ban, meaning he is absent from the second leg next week.

If the Hammers manage to win and book a semi-final place, the full-back is likely to be available again.

 

About Dave Langton

A journalist with 10 years' experience of working on National newspapers, now chief reporter covering the club that I've loved since I was a boy. Upton Park remains the greatest football stadium ever built.