Ilunga lands three-match ban

Sunday 25 December, 2005

Saint-Etienne defender Hérita Ilunga has been handed a three-match suspension after his bad foul on Rennes striker John Utaka.

The DR Congo international received a straight red card for the poorly-timed lunge, and the French League's committee of discipline has subsequently classed the challenge as violent conduct.

Another player facing an enforced spell on the sidelines is Lens forward Aruna Dindane.

The Ivory Coast international has been handed a two-match ban for his dismissal against Le Mans last Sunday. Lens now have the chance to get used to life without Dindane before he leaves for the African Cup of Nations.

Nancy’s Cédric Lécluse also has a two-match suspension - as has his club President Jacques Rousselot, banned from the referee’s room and from the touchline for two games.