The Premier League has seen its fair share of controversy over the years, with players receiving lengthy suspensions for everything from betting offences and doping to violent conduct and racial abuse. Following Sandro Tonali’s recent punishment, here’s a look at the longest bans in Premier League history and the incidents that led to them.
Aleksandar Mitrovic – Eight Games
Aleksandar Mitrovic received an eight-game suspension following Fulham’s explosive FA Cup clash against Manchester United in 2023. Frustrated after teammate Willian and manager Marco Silva were sent off, Mitrovic confronted referee Chris Kavanagh and pushed the official in anger.
The incident immediately sparked criticism, and the Football Association responded with a significant ban. Fulham struggled without their leading striker, though Mitrovic eventually returned before the end of the campaign.
Luis Suárez – Eight Games
In 2011, Luis Suárez was banned for eight matches after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.
The controversy dominated English football headlines for months and became one of the most high-profile racism cases in Premier League history. Suárez was also fined heavily, while tensions increased further when he refused to shake Evra’s hand before a later fixture between Liverpool and Manchester United.
Luis Suárez – 10 Games
Suárez appears on the list again after one of the strangest moments in Premier League history. During Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea in 2013, the Uruguayan bit defender Branislav Ivanovi? on the arm during an on-field altercation.
The incident shocked fans around the world and earned Suárez a 10-game suspension. It also damaged his reputation further, particularly because it was not the first biting incident of his career.
David Prutton – 10 Games
Former Southampton midfielder David Prutton received a 10-match ban in 2005 after aggressively confronting referee Alan Wiley.
Prutton had been sent off during a match against Arsenal and reacted furiously, pushing the official and confronting assistant referee Paul Norman. The FA handed him…
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