New footage shows why Thomas Partey is suspended for Champions League semi-final
Huge blow for the Gunners.
New footage has revealed the reason Thomas Partey is suspended for Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final first leg clash against PSG.
Partey was booked during Arsenal’s quarter-final second leg win over Real Madrid – but TV cameras failed to show a proper replay of the incident.
The yellow card shown to Partey in the 85th minute at the Bernabeu was the third he’s picked up in the European club competition this term overall.
Three yellows means the Arsenal midfielder will serve a one-game ban and won’t be able to feature against PSG at the Emirates on April 29.
It’s a significant blow to the Gunners,given Partey played all 180 minutes across both legs of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Real.
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Declan Rice was left furious at Partey for receiving the yellow card and you can understand why given his hot-headed, needless reaction…
Why was Thomas Partey shown a yellow card against Real Madrid?
Party was booked against Real for shoving Dani Ceballos to the ground right in front of French referee Francois Letexier.
It occurred during a break in play after Antonio Rudiger was shown a yellow card himself for slamming into the back of Mikel Merino with force.
Following the poor challenge from Rudiger, Partey went to collect the ball to take a free-kick, which was at Ceballos’ feet.
Ceballos saw Partey coming and decided to move the ball with his foot, which left the Ghanian furious.
Partey and Ceballos tussled a little before the former pushed the Real star to the floor, ultimately leading to a needless yellow card.
The new footage emerged via social media on Tuesday, with football influencer and Arsenal fan Rory Cook posting the clip on his X account.
Thomas Partey suspension is a massive blow for Arsenal
Partey’s one-game ban for the Champions League semi-final first leg showdown against PSG represents a major headache for Mikel Arteta.
The 31-year-old is an important cog in the Gunners’ side and has been in fine form across the past few months.
Arteta will now be forced to reshuffle his midfield, with the Arsenal manager usually reluctant to change a settled team.
Rice has excelled as a No.8 – particularly against Real Madrid – but may have to play deeper in a No.6 role because of Partey’s absence.
Jorginho would’ve been an ideal replacement for Partey but he has a rib injury.
It means that Merino, who has been featuring as a makeshift striker, may have to play in midfield with Leandro Trossard starting up top instead.
