Jean Makoun Banned For Three Matches, Ezequiel Lavezzi Is Stupider

Aston Villa newcomer Jean Makoun didn't have a chance to learn the rules of the Premier League before being thrown into the mess of matches. Apparently, the former Lyon man was laboring under the impression that a reckless challenge, such as the one he committed on DJ Campbell, would only see him sit out a one-match ban. Instead, Makoun is out for three matches, and with the Villa schedule being what it is right now, that means we won't see him for about five weeks.

Which, incidentally, leaves him plenty of time for checking out Birmingham's high fashion district.

According to Gerard Houllier, Makoun is at least upset about the ban, feeling as though he's let the team down. And he has a bit of a point, considering just how good he's been in the four matches he's played. He's a creator, and we need one of those about Villa. But hey, he made a mistake. He didn't break anyone's leg, he didn't headbutt a guy, he didn't insult anyone's mother. Lesson learned.

At least he's not Ezequiel Lavezzi. The Napoli forward earned himself a three-match ban for spitting on someone. Talk about stupid. The incident occurred off the ball and none of the officials witnessed it, so Lavezzi played the rest of the match. Upon review, Pocho was given the ban, despite the fact that video evidence is pretty sketch. But even getting himself into handbags with Aleandro Rosi (who, by the way, was certainly not innocent in this affair but got off with not even a warning) was idiotic. Napoli are three points off scudetto leaders AC Milan and have a match against them in two weeks. Any time one of their top three go missing, the partenopei can't find a win.

So cheer up, Villans, at least the club didn't lose Makoun while making a title challenge. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to throw things.