Eight-match bans in football tend to be reserved for pretty outrageous behaviour on a pitch, but people aren’t so sure Oscar’s actions in the Chinese Super League warranted such punishment.
The former Chelsea midfielder Oscar received the ban after sparking a mass brawl between his Shanghai SIPG team-mates and their Guangzhou R&F counterparts.
The Brazil international has also been fined 40,000 Yuan (£4,625) as a result of the incident in Sunday’s 1-1 Chinese Super League draw between the sides – here it is.
BREAKING: Former #CFC midfielder Oscar has been given an eight-match ban for his role in this mass brawl… ???? pic.twitter.com/nRT50c27cK
— Yahoo Sport UK (@YahooSportUK) June 22, 2017
All a bit odd, right? Oscar does appear to kick the ball at two players in succession before falling over, but an eight-game ban?
Just heard Oscar's been banned for 8 games for kicking a ball at someone and then falling over. Incredible.
— Matt Holt Tips (@MattHoltTips) June 22, 2017
@fintancorrigan Oscar got an 8 match ban for this… all he did was kick the ball at 2 players, how embarrassing
— Jay (@jayalbiston) June 22, 2017
The fine is pretty modest too for a footballer earning as much as Oscar does in the CSL, with the Press Association reporting the midfielder could expect as much as £400,000 a week ahead of his move from the Premier League.
In the two hours since we sent this tweet, Oscar has earned enough money to pay the $5,000 fine that came with the ban ?? pic.twitter.com/w0wnSOTEJz
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 22, 2017
Oscar's 8-match ban and £4,500 fine is quite the disciplinary ratio. Incidentally, it would take him about 72 minutes to earn that back.
— Adam Hurrey (@FootballCliches) June 22, 2017
The punishment comes after disciplinary chiefs reviewed the incident in which Oscar kicked the ball at two opponents, according to the statement, prompting “large-scale gatherings and conflicts” and having “a very bad impact” on the Chinese game.
The 25-year-old will not be eligible to play for his club in the league until August 13 as a result of his suspension – time for a summer holiday?