Mason Greenwood's Marseille dealt blow as Roberto De Zerbi slapped with ban after red card against PSG

Mason Greenwood's Marseille have been dealt a massive blow as Roberto De Zerbi was slapped with a ban after his red card against Paris Saint-Germain. The Italian boss saw red deep into stoppage time when his protests over a foul crossed the line. Initially shown a yellow card, De Zerbi’s refusal to let the matter drop and his decision to step onto the pitch pushed the referee to escalate matters. Moments later, the 46-year-old was walking down the tunnel, leaving the Velodrome in a frenzy.

Mason Greenwood's Marseille dealt blow as Roberto De Zerbi slapped with ban after red card against PSGMason Greenwood's Marseille dealt blow as Roberto De Zerbi slapped with ban after red card against PSGMason Greenwood's Marseille dealt blow as Roberto De Zerbi slapped with ban after red card against PSG

Greenwood and his teammates had battled fiercely to secure a first home victory over PSG in 14 long years, a result that electrified the city and reignited belief in their project. But while the roar of the Velodrome still echoed, the fallout from De Zerbi’s dismissal quickly stole headlines, casting a shadow over what should have been an unblemished celebration.

France‘s LFP Disciplinary Committee wasted little time in reaching a verdict. Their decision was clear: a one-match ban for De Zerbi, with an additional game suspended. The punishment bars him not only from the dugout but also from entering referees’ areas or carrying out official match duties during his enforced absence. The statement read: ”One match suspension and one match suspended from the bench, referees’ locker room and all official duties.”

Despite the red card, De Zerbi was in no mood to dwell on criticism. Instead, he turned the spotlight firmly on his squad’s display.

“It’s one of the best days since my arrival,” he said after the game. I came here for the Velodrome and to beat PSG, the team that represents power, that has been winning unrivalled for years, which I don’t accept in my philosophy. But we haven’t done anything so far. The most important thing is Friday in to take another step towards building a great team.”

travel to Strasbourg on Friday, before facing at home in a huge clash on September 30. Days later, they head to in . De Zerbi will be back on the bench for the European night against Ajax, but he will miss both domestic fixtures against Strasbourg and Metz, matches that could prove vital in shaping Marseille’s league campaign.