Getty Images
The AFC Bournemouth central midfielder has been banned by the governing body of football in England for allegedly biting Josh Windass, the Sheffield Wednesday Club’s midfielder. He has also been fined with the amount of £40,000 for the occurrence which happened in the 1-0 defeat of the Cherries to the Owls back in November. This sanction is to the allegation to Lerma that he bit the forward in the Sky Bet Championship match between the teams on November 3rd.
The Club has stated, “AFC Bournemouth is surprised and disappointed at the outcome of the Football Association Independent Regulatory Commission’s decision to uphold a charge against and prohibit Jefferson Lerma for 6 games with a £40,000 fine.” The Cherries also responded to the FA’s verdict, insisting that the midfielder is thinking for an appeal currently and has denied the charges. The player is fully supported by the club and both have been cooperating with England’s football governing body throughout.
The club also believes that there is no clear evidence and the video footage of the occurrence between the players cannot be the conclusion, also there is no evidence of the bite mark with photographs on the player. The player also didn’t feel like seeking any medical treatment or any discomfort. Other than these, the club will not make any further comments on the incidence.
The commission was also presented with evidence by an expert that stated the incident that happened was highly unlikely intentional.