Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz has received a three-match suspension in the Champions League following his red card against Paris Saint-Germain. The Colombian forward, who scored both goals in Bayern's 2-1 away win on November 4, will miss upcoming games against Arsenal, Sporting CP and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. UEFA classified the challenge on Achraf Hakimi as serious rough play, sidelining Diaz until January.
Luis Diaz's impactful performance in Bayern Munich's 2-1 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain on November 4 turned sour when he received a straight red card shortly before halftime. The 28-year-old Colombian, who netted a first-half brace, lunged at PSG right-back Achraf Hakimi, forcing the Moroccan international off with a sprained ankle ligament injury. Hakimi has not featured since the incident.
UEFA announced the three-match ban on Friday, deeming the tackle serious rough play. Diaz, who joined Bayern from Liverpool in the summer, will sit out Bayern's away clash with Arsenal on November 26, followed by home fixtures against Sporting CP on December 9 and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise on January 21. He is eligible to return for the visit to PSV Eindhoven on January 28.
Bayern had anticipated a one-match suspension. Manager Vincent Kompany expressed disappointment at a potential longer ban during Friday's press conference, stating he expected Diaz to miss just one game. The club has requested written justification from UEFA and plans to appeal the decision.
Diaz has been in fine form, scoring three goals in four Champions League appearances this season, including his double against PSG and one in the 4-0 home win over Club Brugge. In the Bundesliga, he has six goals and four assists from 10 matches. Bayern lead the Champions League league phase with 12 points from four wins, ahead of Arsenal and Inter Milan on goal difference.
The suspension represents a blow for the Bavarians, though it opens opportunities for players like Serge Gnabry, whom Kompany plans to rest in preparation.
