Emre Can could face two games ban for criticism of Makkelie

Chelsea came from behind to eliminate Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, an event that Emre Can, after the game, blamed on the referee's performance. The referee, Danny Makkelie, had a Kai Havertz penalty retaken because several players from both teams entered the box before the first was taken. He scored the second and the Blues were through to the quarter-finals.

As Ramon Fuentes rightly points out in 'Mundo Deportivo', the former Juventus player is facing a two-match ban for his criticism of the referees. He said: "We didn't deserve to lose. We lost because of the referee. How is it possible that he had that penalty retaken? I don't understand. It was very bad and he spoke to us in an arrogant way. Playing at Stamford Bridge, maybe he was afraid of the fans, I don't know... UEFA should have appointed a different referee.

Under UEFA rules, he is likely to be sidelined for two matches in Europe, but it is also likely that CAS will reduce the punishment to one if his club manages the matter well in their offices. It would not be the first time this has happened and his importance on the pitch is undisputed this season, so it would be nice to be able to count on him in the squad's future European fixtures.

The source mentioned in the second paragraph underlines that the article that could result in Emre Can's ban is number 11 of the UEFA Disciplinary Code, which states that any "conduct" that "is insulting or otherwise in breach of basic standards of decent conduct" or that "brings the sport of football and UEFA in particular into disrepute" will be grounds for such proceedings.