Bournemouth’s Jefferson Lerma decides not to appeal against six-match ban
The midfielder was accused of biting Sheffield Wednesday forward Josh Windass in November.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bournemouth’s Jefferson Lerma hit out at the Football Association as he confirmed he will not appeal his six-match ban.
The midfielder has been suspended and slapped with a £40,000 fine by the FA for allegedly biting Sheffield Wednesday forward Josh Windass in November.
Bournemouth said they were “surprised and disappointed” by the Independent Regulatory Commission’s decision to uphold the charge of violent conduct, which Lerma had strenuously denied.
“After much consideration I have decided not to appeal the suspension handed to me by the Football Association,” Lerma said in a statement.
“This in no way reflects an admission of any guilt and I continue to deny the allegation made against me. I have cooperated fully throughout to try and prove my innocence.
“Sadly, however, the process I have witnessed over the past seven months has been incredibly disappointing – not least the lack of evidence used to charge me and the length of time since the fixture in question.
“Given the disappointment I feel, it is with regret that I do not have the confidence that an appeal would be handled any better and that has played a big part in my decision.”
An FA statement read: “AFC Bournemouth’s Jefferson Lerma has been suspended for six matches and fined £40,000 following a breach of FA Rule E3 that occurred during an EFL Championship match against Sheffield Wednesday FC on 03/11/20.”