Franco Vazquez, a key player for Cremonese, has been handed a ten-match suspension for racial discrimination during a Serie B game against Bari in February.
The Serie B Sporting Judge has penalized Vazquez with a significant ban due to racist behavior. Bari had formally accused the former star of Palermo and Sevilla following their match in mid-February.
The incident involved Vazquez and Bari winger Emile Mehdi Dorval, who was visibly upset and left the field in tears.
On Tuesday, the Sporting Judge announced the lengthy suspension for Vazquez, stating he was guilty of using a racially discriminatory insult.
Cremonese has stated their intention to appeal Vazquez’s ban.
According to Sky Sport Italia reports, Cremonese is confident that they can demonstrate Vazquez’s innocence in subsequent appeals. They believe he can prove his statement to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office collaborators immediately after the game, where he denied any involvement in the alleged racist incident.
This season, Vazquez has contributed nine goals and three assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.
Cremonese currently holds the fourth position in the Serie B standings, placing them in a playoff spot after 29 matchdays. If Vazquez’s ban is upheld through the appeals process, he will be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season and would only be eligible to return for the play-offs.