Kyle Walker is set to miss the first leg of Manchester City’s quarter-final fixture in April, after the appeal to overturn his ban was rejected.
The player was shown a red card for a foul on Andre Silva in their last group stage game against RB Leipzig. As a result, he had to sit out the first leg of City’s Round of 16 clash against Sporting CP. But, the officials have handed him a ban of three matches, which will end after the first leg of the quarter-final – to be played in April.
UEFA reject Manchester City’s appeal for Kyle Walker
‘The appeal lodged by Manchester City FC is dismissed,’ a statement from UEFA read.
‘Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body’s decision of 25 January 2022 is upheld.
‘The CEDB had decided to suspend Manchester City FC player, Mr. Kyle Andrew Walker, for the next three (3) UEFA club competition matches for which he would be otherwise eligible, for assaulting another player.’
Manchester City already have one foot in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, earning a dominant 5-0 win in the first leg. The second leg of the fixture against Sporting will be held at the Etihad Stadium, and will only require them to defend their five goal lead.
Pep Guardiola’s men are the favourites to win the trophy this season, after being defeated by Chelsea in the final last year. As a result, the real loss for Manchester City is in the first leg of the quarter-final.
