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By: Abiodun Adewale
KAA Gent forward, Gift Orban, has been given a two-match ban for his red card against KAS Eupen in the Belgian topflight on Sunday.
The Super Eagles invitee was at the risk of missing multiple games for receiving a straight red for violent conduct but his punishment was lessened for being a first-time offender.
Orban received the first red card of his professional career as Gent came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Eupen in a Belgian Pro League match at the Ghelamco Arene. He was sent off in the 45th minute for shoving Rune Paeshuyse in the neck during an off-the-ball incident, and the referee confirmed the red card after a review by VAR.
“The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office ruled that it involved ‘physical misconduct’, and more specifically ‘a brutal push with high intensity’. For Orban it is the first red card in 57 professional matches. According to the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, that clean criminal record works to his advantage,” the club said in a statement on Monday.
“A minimum suspension of two matches – being the lower limit as determined in the indicative table – is appropriate,” it said. Furthermore, a fine of 1,500 euros is requested.”
The club also said they would consider the proposal for an amicable settlement and will take a position on the punishment on Tuesday (today).
The suspension rules him out of the Buffalos’ league game against champions Antwerp.
Orban has been having a tough time in recent weeks, struggling with form and injuries, having missed the Super Eagles tie with São Tomé and Príncipe in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and not scoring in his last five matches for Gent.
Despite his recent struggles in front of goal, he has managed to score six goals in 11 games across all competitions for the Belgian outfit.