Arsenal loanee suspended for 2 games | OneFootball

Fabio Vieira has been suspended for two matches after his red card in Hamburger SV’s goalless draw with Union Berlin.

The decision was confirmed by the German Football Association’s sporting court on Tuesday, ending Hamburg’s hope that the midfielder might escape with only a one-match ban.

Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Vieira was dismissed in the second half for serious foul play after clattering into Leopold Querfeld with a high boot near the halfway line.

The Portuguese playmaker, on loan from Arsenal, appeared to withdraw his leg before impact, but the referee showed a red card immediately.

HSV coach Merlin Polzin argued after the game that the challenge should have been viewed in context. “I go firmly on the assumption that of course the dynamics of the scene will be re-evaluated, that you can see how Fabio pulls back, that he does not hit the opponent on the head,” Polzin said on Sunday evening.

His plea for leniency was rejected.

Vieira will now sit out Sunday’s match against Mainz and the trip to RB Leipzig on 18 October.

He had also remained on the ground for several minutes after the incident, clutching his knee before limping off with medical assistance. Early reports suggested a possible injury, but investigations since have indicated there is no lasting damage.

Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Querfeld also drew criticism for his exaggerated reaction, rolling on the ground holding his face despite replays showing contact was limited to the shoulder and upper arm. The collision was nevertheless judged reckless enough to warrant dismissal.

Hamburg, newly promoted, are still adjusting to life back in the Bundesliga after seven years away. They sit in 13th place on five points after five games, their only win coming against Heidenheim, a result that marked their first top-flight victory since May 2018.