Belgian winger bags 5-match suspension for punching Super Eagles defender

The altercation between the two happened shortly before halftime when their two teams met in a league clash, resulting in the Nigerian losing consciousness

Belgium international winger Dante Vanzeir has been handed a five-match ban for punching Super Eagles defender Valentine Ozornwafor in the face during a Jupiler Pro League match between Union Saint-Gilloise and Royal Charleroi on Saturday.

The Zebras suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at the hands of the league leaders, but the most significant talking point of the encounter arrived just before the halftime break. Vanzeir was sent off for catching Ozornwafor with his fist as the centre-back tried to prevent the attacker from accessing the danger area in anticipation of a cross.

The Nigerian international lost consciousness before he was substituted and taken to the hospital, where he was medically confirmed okay.

But the Disciplinary Committee of the Belgian Football Union, as per Sud Info, has deemed Vanzeir's actions inappropriate and has slammed the former Genk star with a five-match suspension.

The attacker's club, Union Saint-Gilloise, has also been fined 6,500 euros.

Former Enyimba star Ozornwafor is trying to get his career back on track on loan at Charleroi after failing to get game time at parent club Galatasaray.

The 22-year-old has made seven league appearances for Les Zebras after featuring for just eight minutes in two years for the Turkish giants.