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Liverpool news: Dejan Lovren BANNED for Sergio Ramos rant and calling Spain p****s
LIVERPOOL defender Dejan Lovren has been handed a ban for one international match for comments he made on social media.
Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren calls out Ramos after Croatia beat Spain
The Croatian posted a video of himself on Instagram following his country’s 3-2 win over Spain in the Uefa Nations League on November last year.
In the footage, the 29-year-old appeared to brag about elbowing Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos and called the Spanish team a ‘bunch of p****s.
He also accused them of being rude and bad losers when questioned by reporters after the match.
While wearing his Croatia kit, Lovren could be heard saying: “Haha! 3-2! Go ahead and talk now buddy. Buddy! They are a bunch of p****s.”
He then covered the Spain flag which was stitched onto his own shirt and said “only this side is worthy”, pointing to the Croatian flag.
UEFA claimed he broke rules that penalise anyone “whose conduct is insulting or otherwise violates the basic rules of decent conduct.”
Lovren will now miss Croatia’s next competitive picture which is a Euro 2020 qualifier at home to Azerbaijan on March 21.
The ban will not affect any domestic matches, although he is currently nursing a hamstring injury and will miss Liverpool’s trip to Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.
Lovren is one of three centre-backs - also Joel Matip and Joe Gomez - unavailable to Reds manager Jurgen Klopp, who says he might be forced to play midfielder Fabinho as a makeshift centre-half.
“If Fabinho has to play as a centre-half what we want is the natural understanding of the game,” he said.
“If you are a holding 6 or a centre-half with the ball it is easier.”
When asked about Lovren’s injury, Klopp added: “I don’t know but it’s not that serious.
“I would expect him back after Crystal Palace, but we have to see.”
Liverpool can extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points with a win as second-placed Manchester City do not play until day night when they host Wolves.