Lazar Markovic Suspended 4 Matches: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction
Liverpool forward Lazar Markovic will miss the club's next four European matches after receiving his punishment for being sent off during Dec. 9's Champions League draw with Basel.
Sky Sports confirmed Markovic's future absence:
The Serbian starlet appeared to catch Basel defender Behrang Safari in the face with a flailing arm during the Anfield tie. Although it could be construed that Markovic aimed to brush the defender off, he received the straight red after making minimal contact.
101 Great Goals posted an image of the moment in question:
Markovic himself also reacted on Twitter with a tongue-in-cheek post:
On Wednesday, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers discussed the decision, according to Tony Barrett of The Times:
James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo reported that the Reds have no plans on appealing the decision, and noted that Markovic's red card in last season's Europa League semifinal played a role in the length of the suspension.
Jack de Menezes of The Independent suggests Safari's "theatrical reaction" could have influenced the referee's decision.
Liverpool dropped out of the elite competition that night, but UEFA's harsh decision now ensures Markovic will miss both Europa League matches against Besiktas. Should Liverpool progress, he will also be unavailable for both legs of the next round.
Markovic's form has improved in recent times, but he still has a long way to go before Brendan Rodgers will consistently pick him for a run in the starting lineup.
