Kenny McLean’s Suspension Extended for Abusive Language

Kenny McLean, captain for Norwich City, will face an additional match suspension following his recent dismissal during last month’s 3-3 draw against Middlesbrough. McLean was sent off for a reckless tackle on Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney. The red card issued to the Scottish player automatically resulted in a three-match ban, but the Football Association has imposed a further penalty for improper conduct. McLean was found guilty of using “abusive and/or insulting words” directed at a match official after his dismissal. This supplementary suspension, combined with a £15,000 fine, means he will be ineligible to play until the home game against Plymouth Argyle on 26 November. “I think it’s a little harsh,” head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup told BBC Radio Norfolk. He further commented, “I think if we go back to the situation, if it had been a yellow card, even the opposition would have said ‘ok, fine’. But it was a red and ended up with four games without playing, that’s a tough one.” When asked about his captain’s language, the Danish coach light-heartedly responded, “He’s also Scottish and he says so many things during the day I don’t understand.” McLean has already missed consecutive away defeats to Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday. He is also set to miss Saturday’s home fixture against Bristol City and the away game at West Bromwich Albion on 23 November, which is immediately after the international break.