Mohammed Kudus Faces Potential Extended Ban for Violent Conduct
West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus could receive further punishment from the FA after being sent off for violent conduct during the match against Tottenham.
Kudus was initially shown a yellow card by referee Andrew Madley but was upgraded to a straight red after VAR review. The forward aimed two kicks at Micky van de Ven while he was on the floor and later shoved Van de Ven and Pape Matar Sarr in the face.
Former referee Mike Dean believes Kudus deserves a stricter punishment, stating, “Hopefully the second one the FA will then take retrospective action so he’ll get done twice in my opinion because he’s hit two different players in the face on two occasions.”
Violent conduct offences typically carry a minimum three-game ban. However, Dean’s comments suggest Kudus could face an extended suspension.
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui expressed plans to discuss the incident with Kudus, emphasizing the importance of improving his response in such situations.
Kudus will miss at least three matches, including games against Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, and Everton, due to the initial ban.
Precedents for extended bans exist, such as Joey Barton’s nine-game suspension for three separate violent clashes in 2012.
The FA will review the incident and determine whether additional punishment is warranted.