Arsenal transfer target banned indefinitely by Ligue 1
Monaco winger Gelson Martins has been handed an indefinite ban by Ligue 1 after he pushed referee Mikael Lesage twice during the 3-1 defeat against Nimes.
The 24-year-old – who was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal last year – was left enraged after Tiemoue Bakayoko was sent off for a stamp on Romain Philippoteaux.
¡Tremendo lo de #GelsonMartins!
El extremo portugués del #Monaco 🇫🇷 empujó al árbitro 2 veces ante el Nimes.
La Liga Francesa lo ha suspendido indefinidamente y abre una investigación para concretar su sanción posterior.pic.twitter.com/iOE8f0z8qT
— José David López (@josedavidlopez_) February 7, 2020
Portuguese international Martins reacted by pushing Lesage, with the official then swiftly brandishing the ex-Atletico Madrid forward a red card.
Martins then angrily confronted the official, where he shoved him for a second time, before players from both teams had to pull him away.
And now Ligue 1’s governing body – the LFP – have launched an investigation into the incident, with Martins handed an indefinite ban until they reach their verdict.
The minimum amount of time Martins is expected to be out for is eight matches, though he could be ruled out until the end of the season.
According to French news out RMC Sport, the former Sporting Lisbon star could be suspended for up to eight months.
They state that the fact Martins pushed Lesage twice could lead to an exemplary punishment.
Commenting on the player, Goal journalist Robin Bairner tweeted: “Monaco don’t expect him to play again this season.”
Arsenal transfer target Gelson Martins banned INDEFINITELY by Ligue 1 for pushing referee twice after Monaco red card https://t.co/nlTzRWGbrb
— The Sun – Arsenal (@SunArsenal) February 7, 2020
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Martins joined Monaco on a permanent deal last summer from Atletico for a fee believed to be in the region of £19million.
The electric winger joined the club on an initial loan deal in January 2019, where he chipped in with four goals in 17 games in all competitions.
Martins has been plagued by inconsistent performances this term, having chipped in with just four goals and one assist in 23 matches.