UEFA has imposed a three-match suspension on Mbappé—though this time the ruling does not concern Real Madrid star Kylian, but rather his 19-year-old younger brother, Ethan, who plays as a midfielder for Lille.
The European governing body’s decision follows a review of the direct red card shown to Ethan during Lille’s 3–2 defeat against Real Betis on Matchday 1 of the UEFA Champions League.
The incident occurred shortly after Irish striker Troy Parrott scored Betis’ third goal. Betis defender Natan approached Ethan and exchanged words with him, prompting the Lille midfielder to lash out with an off-the-ball elbow that sent the Brazilian to the ground.
Referee Georgi Kabakov initially missed the altercation before being summoned to the pitchside monitor by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Upon reviewing the footage, Kabakov issued a straight red card, ending Mbappé’s evening prematurely.
The three-match ban rules Ethan out of key Champions League fixtures against Arsenal, Galatasaray, and Bodø/Glimt. Prior to his dismissal, the midfielder had provided an assist for Lille’s opening goal before the match concluded in Davide Ancelotti’s first defeat at the helm.
Ethan subsequently published an apology across his social media accounts, expressing regret over his reaction. However, the statement did not prevent UEFA from enforcing the full suspension. The midfielder is currently away on international duty with the France Under-21 squad for Euro 2027 qualifying.
