Earlier this morning, I mentioned to my Hammers Chat partner in crime, Geo, that it was something of a slow news day—at which point West Ham said, “hold my beer.”
For some reason, West Ham can’t stay out of the limelight for long, and today has proven it once again with some managerial ‘exclusives’ and reports of an extended ban for Mohammed Kudus.
I have to be honest and say I didn’t pay too much attention to initial reports suggesting Kudus could be out until after Christmas. Whilst he probably deserved a red card for losing his head against Tottenham, calling the incident ‘violent conduct’ seems a bit too much.
It was more a case of pushing and a tantrum from a frustrated player, exaggerated by Tottenham players hitting the ground as if they’d been floored by a hurricane—when, frankly, the contact wouldn’t knock a budgie off its perch (not that I’ve tried, incidentally).
However, news that The FA has now charged Kudus with improper conduct has made me sit up and take notice. Former Premier League referee Mike Dean said after the game that Kudus could “get done twice” for his involvement in the handbags scuffle in North London, meaning a potential ban of up to nine games.
This would indeed keep the winger unavailable for selection until the Boxing Day fixture against Southampton, making earlier predictions seem far less sensationalistic.
One can only hope common sense prevails and he’s only side-lined for the next three games against Manchester United, Forest, and Everton. Even in that case, West Ham wouldn’t see Kudus back until November 25th against Newcastle, thanks to another international break.
