AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was sent off in the game against Genoa last night after a reckless challenge on Caleb Ekuban in added time. Fortunately for the Rossoneri, he will only miss one game.
Maignan came off his line to head away the pass that was meant for Ekuban, and he clearly got the ball with his head. However, prior to actually heading the ball, he hit Ekuban in the chest/throat area with his knee.
Given the force that was created by his jump, the red card was clear and VAR labelled the foul as ‘serious foul play’. Initially, they looked at the foul as a ‘DOGSO’ (denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity) but they quickly changed their minds.
As explained by the referee expert Luca Marinello on DAZN (via Radio Rossonera), Maignan will only be suspended for one game, as the rules for serious foul play state. Had it been violent conduct, which is with intent, then the goalkeeper could have been suspended for multiple games.
Even though he will miss just one game, the next clash is against Juventus so it’s still far from ideal.
