A moment of madness has seen the versatile 25-year-old banned for six matches.
Aston Villa’s Leandro Bacuna and Cardiff’s Bruno Ecuele Manga in action
Aston Villa midfielder Leandro Bacuna learnt his fate regarding his confrontation with a linesman in Villa’s 1-0 victory over Derby County, and the result was a six match suspension.
While there is no doubt that Bacuna was in the wrong for making physical contact with the linesman, the punishment handed out to the Curacao international seems a bit over the top.
As reported by the Birmingham Mail, Villa boss Steve Bruce can’t even appeal the suspension as the FA have prohibited it, meaning that when Bacuna comes back, there will be just seven games of the season left.
What’s infuriated Bruce, and no doubt several Villa fans, is that Blackburn Rovers’ Hope Akpan was given a four match suspension for shoving a referee a few weeks back, yet Bacuna’s given a harsher sentence for a lesser offence.
Tottenham’s Ben Davies in action with Aston Villa’s Leandro Bacuna
Ultimately, Bacuna has leaned in and made contact with the linesman’s shoulder. Bacuna hasn’t used his hands, he hasn’t gone over to the linesman with any particular malice – just frustration at a decision going against him – and yet he’s made an example of.
If the FA had shown continuity and given Bacuna a four match ban, then there wouldn’t even be a debate.
However, it’s decisions like this which make it very clear why the UK parliament gave the FA a vote of no confidence.
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