Janice R. Andrews
Mohammed Kudus has received a stern message from West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui following a red card incident against Tottenham Hotspur. The 24-year-old Ghanaian midfielder was handed a three-match suspension after an altercation with Spurs players Micky Van de Ven and Pape Matar Sarr, resulting in violent conduct charges from the FA.
The suspension forced Kudus to sit out West Ham’s 2-1 victory over Manchester United, a match that proved consequential for United’s manager Erik ten Hag, who was relieved of his duties following the defeat. The situation could worsen for Kudus, as a recent hearing suggests his ban might be extended from three to six matches pending further FA review.
“Unfortunately, Kudus will miss three matches due to his unacceptable behavior,” stated Lopetegui. “He acknowledges this, and such incidents cannot be repeated. I trust he’s learned from this.” The manager expressed confidence in Kudus’s ability to grow from the experience and handle future provocations more professionally.
Should the FA maintain the current three-match ban, Kudus could make his return against Newcastle United in November. However, an extended six-game suspension would also rule him out of encounters with Nottingham Forest, Everton, and an additional crucial December fixture.
During Kudus’s absence, West Ham demonstrated their depth as Crysencio Summerville found the net in their victory over Manchester United. The scorer’s celebration included a tribute to his suspended teammate, highlighting the squad’s solidarity.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining composure in high-stakes matches, with Lopetegui’s warning emphasizing the club’s expectations for professional conduct on the field as they pursue their season objectives.
