Netherlands

Sparta Defender Dele Adeleye Slapped With Five-Match Ban

The Nigerian centre back faces a hefty suspension...

Nov 2, 2009 3:49:08 PM

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Adeleye, Sparta (foto ANP)

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Sparta Rotterdam

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Ayodele Adeleye

Eredivisie outfit Sparta will probably have to make do without defender Dele Adeleye for a while. The Nigerian centre back faces a hefty suspension after elbowing VVV striker Sandro Calabro.

Adeleye and Calabro were already tussling before a corner kick in the KNVB Beker match last week and the Sparta defender brutally elbowed Calabro in the face after the VVV striker had headed the corner towards the Sparta goal.

Calabro broke his nose because of Adeleye's action and was forced to leave the pitch after 31 minutes of play. The referee failed to spot the incident and Adeleye eventually shot Sparta into the net round of the Dutch Cup by converting the decisive spot kick.

TV footage clearly showed the incident though and the KNVB opted to open an investigation into the foul. After having a look at the case, the Dutch FA's disciplinary committee have now made the decision to hand Adeleye a five-match ban.

The 20-year-old Nigerian international has until next Friday to appeal the ban.

Stefan Coerts, Goal.com