As reported by football-espana on Tuesday, David Lopez has received a four-match suspension for comments made in October regarding Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias. The Girona veteran criticized the referee for his alleged “rude and insulting” behavior during the match against Almeria at Montilivi. Despite later apologizing and retracting his statements, Lopez now faces a ban.
Girona expresses disappointment with the Competition Committee’s decision to impose a four-match suspension on Lopez, considering it unjust when compared to historical precedents, as noted by MD. Some within the Girona camp believe the severity of the punishment is disproportionate, possibly influenced by their current competition with Real Madrid and Barcelona for the La Liga title. Michel Sanchez’s team is currently level on points with Los Blancos after 19 matchdays and holds a seven-point lead over their Catalan rivals.
Lopez’s suspension adds to Girona’s challenges at a critical juncture, coinciding with an injury to Eric Garcia against Elche last weekend. Although Garcia is expected to be sidelined for only a week, Michel Sanchez now has only two fit center-backs for the upcoming match against Almeria.