‘Fist’ penalty for Filip Mladenovic: Banned for 3 months

Filip Mladenovic has been suspended for three months by the Polish Football Association (PZPN) after hitting three opposing players during Legia Warsaw’s trophy-winning match.

Legia lifted their 20th trophy by winning 6-5 on penalties in the Polish Cup final against league leaders Rakow Czestochowa. After the match ended goalless, the players took to the field. As Legia goalkeeper Kacper Tobiasz saved the final penalty, several Rakow players approached Mladenovic and the Serbian international hit three players, according to videos shared on social media.

The Cup final was not without scandals.

When Tobiasz saved Legia’s Filip Mladenović’s decisive penalty, he hit two Raków footballers. Then back thong. I overflow the tension#FortunaPucharPolskipic.twitter.com/xgnUBeBZfC

– Eugenio González Aguilera (@Eugeniogonza2) May 2, 2023

PZPN announced that Mladenovic has been banned from the league and cup as well as fined 120,000 zloty (£22,800) and reported that the 31-year-old will miss the opening matches of the new season, which kicks off in Poland at the end. of July. Mladenovic represented Serbia at the World Cup in Qatar.

Mladenovic made the following statement on Instagram:

“First of all, I would like to apologize to Marcin Cebula, Wiktor Dlugosz and Jean Carlos for my behavior towards the players, including Rakow Czestochowa coach Marek Papszun. I am aware that this is unacceptable. No athlete should behave like this. I also apologize to my teammates, staff and fans for representing the colors of Legia Warsaw in an undignified manner.”

15-time Polish champions Legia are second by 11 points in the last four games of the season and have little chance of reclaiming the title they most recently won in the 2020-21 season.