Belgian winger bags 5-match suspension for punching Ozornwafor

Last updated Feb 25, 2022

The Disciplinary Committee of the Belgian Football Union has handed Belgium international Dante Vanzeir a five-match suspension for punching Super Eagles defender Valentine Ozornwafor during a Jupiler Pro League match between Union Saint-Gilloise and Royal Charleroi over the weekend.

Vanzeir landed a punch on the face of the Nigeria centre-back in added time of the first half while preventing him from making his way into his penalty box.

The heavy blow from the Belgian forward left Ozornwafor unconscious, as the giant centre-back collapsed twice and had to be taken off on a stretcher before being rushed to the hospital.

Charleroi in a statement later confirmed that the defender had regained consciousness, but added he would be under the observation of the doctors.

However, according to a Belgian website, Sud Info, the disciplinary committee has handed the player a five-match ban for violent conduct.

“Dante Vanzeir was suspended for five matches following his punch given to Valentine Ozornwafor on Saturday during the Charleroi-Union match,” the website wrote.

“The Disciplinary Committee of the Belgian Football Union pronounced Tuesday evening a suspension of eight matches, therefore five squads, one less than what the prosecution had requested at the start of the day, to the striker of the Union Saint -Gilloise Dante Vanzeir, excluded on Saturday after punching Charleroi defender Valentine Ozornwafor.

“To make this decision, the body based itself on the objective seriousness of the offence, which put the physical integrity of its adversary in danger, and considered that such an act had no place on a football field. Moreover, the Committee believes that this reaction shows a “lack of self-control” and that a professional player must keep “their emotions in check at all times”.”

The website also added that Union Saint-Gilloise were also handed a fine for their player’s misconduct.

“The Red Devil will also have to pay a fine of 6,500 euros.”

The 22-year-old, who is currently on loan with the Zebras from Galatasaray, made his international debut in 2021 under former Eagles gaffer Gernot Rohr during Nigeria’s friendly games against Cameroon.

PUNCH/Nnenna.O