Earlier today, Bristol City confirmed that the Football Association had banned striker Famara Diedhiou for a total of six games in 2018/19 in relation to an alleged spitting incident.
#BristolCity has released the following statement regarding Famara Diédhiou.
— Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) May 22, 2018
The charge under Rule E1(a) relates back to our 3-1 victory over Birmingham City at Ashton Gate on Tuesday, April 10 and many fans are bemused as to why it has taken this long for a Regulatory Commission to be held on the matter.
In imposing a six-game ban on the striker, that will come into force from the first kick off in the coming season and a brief statement from the Official Site confirmed that the club were ‘extremely disappointed’ with the decision and stated that the full support of the club was behind the 25-year-old as he continued to ‘vehemently’ deny the allegation.
The club have also requested the full written reasons for the decision by the FA and will consult club lawyers with a view to making an appeal.
Click the above tweet for the full statement.
If the club were blindsided by the decision, fans certainly were when the news was announced as a few thought the statement was to announce his sale – I, unfortunately, can’t post that owing to old-fashioned football language, but the original tweeter wasn’t alone.
Yep same ????
— Alfie (@PurelyPaterson) May 22, 2018
Others called the FA and the club out on their evidence and simply stated that if true, fair enough, but there has to be a doubt as nobody can remember an incident from the game that would come close to such a charge.
release the evidence then if you "vehemently deny" it happened and shame the FA as happened with Bailey Wright…. pathetic organisation
— Jordan (@jordanhewlett99) May 22, 2018
If he did it then he did it, but this is the first I’ve heard of it.
The FA must have some nailed on damning evidence that he undeniably spat at someone, and if he did 6 games is a fair ban.
If there isn’t nailed on proof, then you can’t really ban him.
— The Red Fury (@ChrisBessex) May 22, 2018
Shocked, very shocked can’t remember him doing it
— Charlie (@DeadlyDiedhiou) May 22, 2018
Hmmm bad start to the season already. IF he did spit he deserves the 6 game ban. Surely there will be filmed footage of it.
— Edward Waddell (@eddiesphone) May 22, 2018
Massive blow to us!!! I have a feeling now he’s found his feet in the division he will be able to push on and be even better for us next season! ????
— Paul Wilkinson (@wilko2012) May 22, 2018
Why has it took untill now for the @FA to make this decision when the incident happened early April
— Futch (@Luke_Futcher) May 22, 2018
A pretty fair and balanced set of responses in reality, fans will now just have to sit back and see where any potential appeal goes from here on out.
