Why Luis Diaz is Playing in Bayern vs SC Freiburg After UEFA Ban?

Luis Diaz has been the talk of the town in Munich ever since his blockbuster move from Liverpool to Bayern Munich this summer. The Colombian winger has been scoring goals and assisting for the Bavarians as they top both the Bundesliga and the Champions League tables. He is all set to play in the Bayern Munich vs SC Freiburg game. This comes amidst the Luis Diaz red card controversy. Many expected Luis Diaz suspension to be a harsh one, and the judgment did arrive against him. But as he is set to play in tonight's clash, there is one question that's running through everyone's mind. Why is Luis Diaz playing today? Allows Sportsdunia to break it down for you.

Luis Diaz Red Card

Luis Diaz's incredible start at Bayern Munich continued as he scored a first-half brace against defending champions PSG in their most recent Champions League clash. The Bavarians were leading 2-0 as the game entered seven minutes of added time in the first half. In the 47th minute, the Colombian winger Luis Diaz tracked back from behind and slid into the fullback marking him. Achraf Hakimi felt the full impact of the tackle as he hurt his ankle and immediately left the pitch. The referee handed Diaz a yellow card, but the VAR intervened and suggested that the official take a look at the incident again. In slow motion, it was ten times worse as Diaz took out Hakimi without any intention of winning the ball. The reckless challenge warranted a Luis Diaz red card as he left the pitch immediately. Even Achraf Hakimi was injured and had to be substituted. It did not cost his team as PSG only managed to score once against Bayern despite having a numerical advantage.

Luis Diaz Suspension

A reckless challenge certainly warranted a heavy Luis Diaz suspension. The UEFA did not take this incident lightly. They treated it as “serious rough play” and handed out a three-match suspension for Luis Diaz. Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany expressed his surprise at the three-game Luis Diaz suspension as he expected it to be only for a single game.

What's next for Luis Diaz?

Luis Diaz suspension means he can not take part in the next three Champions League games of Bayern Munich. He will miss their trip to Arsenal this week and also the home clashes against Sporting CP (December 9) and Union St. Gilloise (January 21). So Diaz will be in Champions League action for Bayern Munich again in the new year.

However, he is free to play in the domestic competitions. He can take part in the Bundesliga and also the DFB-Pokal Cup, as the suspension only applies to UEFA competitions. Diaz will be keen to add to his tally of six goals and four assists in the league. This answers why is Luis Diaz playing today in the Bayern Munich vs SC Freiburg game.