What Is Happening? Leon Balogun Earns Red Card A Week After Defensive Partner Ekong

Published: March 03, 2018

Super Eagles star Leon Balogun was given his marching orders in Mainz's goalless draw against Hamburger SV on game week 25 in the German Bundesliga at the Volksparkstadion on Saturday.

About a week ago, Balogun's defensive partner in the national team, William Troost-Ekong, was shown a straight red card, the first in his professional career, in Bursaspor's 5-0 loss suffered at the hands of Galatasaray.

The central defender was shown a yellow card in the 34th minute before receiving a second yellow, then red in the 61st minute, for fouling Hamburg's substitute Luca Waldschmidt.

And Mainz were fortunate not to concede as referee Schmidt had awarded a penalty to the home team for the foul committed by Balogun in the penalty area but the young goalkeeper Müller saved Kostic’s spot-kick.

In 71 previous appearances in the Bundesliga, Balogun had never been dismissed before he took the walk of shame today against Hamburg.

Anthony Ujah came on in the 88th minute for Mainz, eleven minutes after the introduction of winger Karim Onisiwo.

Balogun will not be available for selection for the home contest against Schalke 04 on Friday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel