German FA reduces Leon Balogun ban News

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German FA reduces Leon Balogun ban

By Daily Sports on May 4, 2016

German Football Association’s sports tribunal has reduced the Bundesliga ban handed to Mainz defender Leon Balogun after an appeal from the player was successful.

A statement on the governing body's official website confirmed that it has partially upheld Balogun’s appeal and thus reduced his ban from three games to two.

The statement reads: “After a verbal hearing with the German Football Association’s sports tribunal, Leon Balogun’s suspension for blatant misconduct in the form of violence against an opponent was reduced to two games and a 10,000 Euro fine after the charge was reduced to careless conduct.

“The panel reduced the decision of a three game ban that was originally given out by a single judge. Balogun as well as the club Mainz 05 agreed to the new judgement.

“The change means that the centre-back will be available for Mainz’s final home match of the season against Hertha BSC (Saturday 14th May).”

The Nigerian international was banned for violent conduct in their 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Balogun, who deliberately kneed Frankfurt's Carlos Zambrano in the closing stages of Sunday’s game was neither cautioned nor sent off by the referee, flickering widespread anger from the hosts’ players.

Balogun and Zambrano who were called in as witnesses were able to convince the tribunal that the Mainz player didn’t intentionally step on the Frankfurt defender. As Zambrano said he wasn’t injured by the altercation, the panel lowered the charge to violence due to careless behaviour on the side of Balogun. (goal.com)

•Photo shows Leon Balogun.

Source Daily Sports

Posted May 4, 2016