Saints Striker Could Be Banned. “Maybe he gets suspended for three games”

It has been revealed that Southampton striker Sekou Mara may face disciplinary measures for an incident during the game against Watford on Saturday, which went unnoticed by both the referee and linesman at the time.

The incident occurred in the latter stages of the match, with Sekou Mara entering the field as a substitute for Che Adams in the 80th minute. The specific details of what prompted Mara’s actions are unclear. However, I witnessed the incident, and the most surprising aspect was that neither the referee nor, curiously, the linesman on the Itchen touchline, who seemed to have a clear view of the Watford back line at the time, noticed it.

As Mara ran back onside past Ryan Porteous, he appeared to deliver a punch to Porteous’s back, catching him off guard. The severity of the punch, if indeed it was a punch, is debatable, but Porteous reacted as though he had been struck by Tyson Fury.

In an interview with The Daily Echo, Russell Martin made a statement regarding the situation: “Maybe he gets suspended for three games. We’re waiting to find out about his off-the-ball incident with Ryan Porteous. I think Sekou might be the only one that misses out, and we are likely to find out before we play Preston.”

This suggests that Martin has likely reviewed the game footage and isn’t optimistic about his player being cleared of any wrongdoing. If Mara is indeed found guilty, it appears to be an act of petulance and premeditation rather than retaliation, given the absence of any immediate provocation and the fact that Mara approached from behind.

The severity of the blow is up for debate; while it wasn’t particularly forceful, the fact that it occurred is the focal point. If he receives a three-game ban, he will be absent for matches against Preston, Cardiff, and Leicester.

On a lighter note, this incident contradicts claims from some Southampton supporters that Mara lacks accuracy in his actions. While one opportunity may be closed for Mara in the next three games, it presents an opening for youngster Tyler Dibling to potentially step up and fi

ll the void.