Eric Bailly out for UEFA Super Cup vs. Real Madrid After Additional 2-Match Ban

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly will not feature in the UEFA Super Cup match against Real Madrid, as his European suspension for violent conduct has been pushed to three matches.

Per the Daily Mirror's David McDonnell and Alex Richards, the Ivory Coast international was sent off in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League against Celta Vigo. While he was originally banned for just the final of the tournament, he'll now also miss the Super Cup and United's UEFA Champions League opener.

Dave Thompson/Associated Press

Bailly emerged as United's top option in central defence last year, as he was the rock manager Jose Mourinho built his team around. He lost his cool in the match against Celta Vigo, however, getting sent off late for an incident with John Guidetti.

Fortunately for the Red Devils, his absence didn't hurt them in the Europa League final, as they triumphed over Ajax. That win saw them book a spot in the Super Cup and Champions League, forcing the UEFA to take another look at the incident and issue an additional suspension.

The timing of the added suspension, months after the incident and the Europa League final, was a little odd. Betting company Paddy Power couldn't help but make a joke:

United will face Real Madrid on August 8, while the draw and schedule for the Champions League have yet to be made.