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Football Association upholds Lisandro Martínez's three-match ban for hair pulling
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Football Association's disciplinary panel has affirmed the three-match suspension for Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez following his red card for pulling the hair of Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin during a Premier League match. The independent regulatory commission rejected Manchester United’s appeal against both the red card and the punishment. Martínez was dismissed for violent conduct after the VAR advised the referee to review the incident. The panel stated that hair pulling "ought not to be tolerated" in football and should be discouraged through consistent punishment. While acknowledging varying levels of risk in different forms of violent conduct, the panel stressed that hair pulling must be taken seriously. Manchester United manager Michael Carrick had criticized the decision, arguing Martínez's actions were not violent conduct and that he was "off balance and grappling." However, the disciplinary panel disagreed, noting Calvert-Lewin's reaction and confirmation that his hair had been pulled. The commission found no "obvious error" in the referee's decision. Martínez has already served part of his suspension and will miss upcoming matches against Brentford and Liverpool. The Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel also supported the referee’s decision. Hair-pulling, though not explicitly listed in the Laws of the Game, is considered violent conduct as it is not a legitimate challenge for the ball. A similar incident earlier in the season involv
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Five people, including a traditional ruler, his wife, son, and two others, were killed in an attack by gunmen in the Olegabulu community of Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State, on Thursday night. According to a local source, four assailants on two motorcycles entered the traditional ruler's residence around 8 pm, shot him and two family members, and then moved to an adjacent house, killing two more people. One person sustained injuries during the 20-minute operation. The source noted that the attackers spoke in the local dialect, initially leading residents not to suspect them. Melvin Ejeh, the Chairman of the local government, confirmed the incident on Friday, stating that five people died and one was injured, and police had visited the scene. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, stated she had not yet received the report.
Must ReadAliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, has warned that artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional engineering systems and replace designs historically undertaken by human engineers. Speaking at his induction as an Honorary Fellow of The Nigerian Academy of Engineering in Lagos, Dangote urged professionals to proactively shape the future of the engineering discipline. He noted that AI is increasingly replacing human capability and hard-thinking characteristics, suggesting it could soon phase out engineering designs. Dangote called on engineers to address the ramifications of AI on their profession, influencing its integration into education and real-world applications. He emphasized engineering's centrality to national development, stating that industrialization is impossible without it, and highlighted its role in his conglomerate's growth. The Dangote Group, he said, has been built on engineering excellence and technological innovation, employing thousands of engineers across its operations, including the refinery, fertilizer, and other industrial projects. Dangote also mentioned the company's investment in training local engineers through the Dangote Academy and urged Nigeria to deepen its engineering talent pool to compete globally. Prof. Rahamon Bello, President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, recognized Dangote's contributions to engineering-driven industrialization, citing the Dangote Refinery as a landmark achievement
Mikel Arteta states that Arsenal still believes they can win the Premier League title, even after Manchester City's 1-0 victory over Burnley on Wednesday moved City into first place. Arsenal is currently level on points with City but trails on goals scored. They have an opportunity to reclaim the top position by avoiding defeat against Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Less than two weeks ago, Arsenal held a nine-point lead over City, but recent losses to Bournemouth and City have shifted the title's destiny out of their hands. Arteta expressed confidence in his team, emphasizing the importance of winning their upcoming match against Newcastle. He highlighted that the team's energy and belief are high, with five games remaining in the season. Arsenal will also see the return of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori from injury for the Newcastle match. City's recent win put them at the top of the league for the first time since August 2025, while Arsenal has secured only one win in their last six matches across all competitions. Arteta recalled his experience of winning the Scottish Premiership with Rangers on goal difference in 2003, underscoring the special feeling of such a victory.
UEFA has issued a six-match ban to Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni following an incident with Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League play-off in February. The match was temporarily halted after Vinícius Júnior accused Prestianni of racial abuse, an allegation Prestianni denied, claiming his words were misinterpreted. However, Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni later stated that Prestianni admitted to making a homophobic remark. The sanction includes two immediate matches, with three additional games suspended for two years. Prestianni had already served a provisional one-match ban, and UEFA has asked FIFA to extend the punishment globally. The incident, which saw Vinícius Júnior briefly leave the pitch, has sparked debate about disciplinary standards in football, particularly regarding the disparity between sanctions for racist and homophobic abuse. Football lawmakers are also considering measures to prevent players from covering their mouths during on-field exchanges.