Chrisantus Uche: Super Eagles hopeful hit with 3-match ban after red card

Nigerian midfielder Christantus Uche has been handed a three-match ban following his red card in Getafe’s 1-0 loss to Espanyol last weekend.

Uche was sent off for stamping on an Espanyol player’s shin, and things escalated when he refused to leave the pitch, instead aggressively approaching the referee. He had to be restrained by teammates and staff.

🖥️💥 El VAR tuvo que ser protagonista en el Espanyol – Getafe.

👉🏻 Uche clava los tacos en la tibia de Jofre, manteniendo la presión hasta el final.

✅ ROJA DIRECTA CLARA.

▪️ Incomprensible que el cuarto árbitro, a un metro de la acción, no apreciase la gravedad de la entrada. pic.twitter.com/nvQsFd1pPw

— Archivo VAR (@ArchivoVAR) April 18, 2025

According to referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, Uche was sent off “for coming in with his foot in a plank shape, hitting an opponent’s shin, using excessive force in the fight for the ball.”

The referee added that Uche “had to be restrained and subsequently removed from the field of play by several players and coaching staff from his team as he approached me angrily protesting my decision.”

Uche has already missed one game, against Real Madrid, so he’ll miss the next two matches, against Rayo Vallecano and Valencia.