Eric Bailly hit with lengthy suspension in France over wild tackle

Marseille defender Eric Bailly, on loan from Manchester United, has been slapped with a seven-game ban following a dangerous tackle in a recent Coupe de France game.

Bailly was shown a red card just 15 minutes into the clash with lower league side Hyeres.

The centre-back was trying to win a bouncing ball but planted his boot firmly in the chest of opposing player Moussa N’Diaye, who required hospital treatment for suspected broken ribs and pain in the lungs and liver. Bailly visited N’Diaye in hospital to apologise for the incident, but it won’t stop the fourth tier player being out of action for potentially the next few months while he recovers.

A straight red card typically carries an automatic three-game suspension. But in severe cases, as this was, an extended ban can come at the discretion of the governing body in charge.

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Marseille outlet Le Provence has reported that the French Football Federation’s disciplinary committee has upped Bailly’s suspension to seven games.

The 28-year-old has already served two of those games, having sat out Marseille wins over Troyes and Lorient in Ligue 1. But he still has another five to go.

It is another blow for Bailly as he tries to get his career back on track. He left Manchester United in search of regular playing time after slipping down the pecking order at Old Trafford. Yet more injury trouble had already cost him opportunities at Marseille too.

Bailly returned from a leg problem after the World Cup break but managed only one start before his red card against Hyeres. It won’t help him personally that Marseille have won their last six Ligue 1 games, five of which he hasn’t started because of injury or suspension.

Bailly remains under contract at parent club Manchester United until 2024, although his loan at Marseille includes an obligation to buy if he plays a certain number of games and they also qualify for next season's Champions League.

Marseille are currently third in Ligue 1, which equates to Champions League qualification. But Bailly has only made six league appearances so far – and 12 in total across all competitions.