Marseille Sporting Director Benatia Suspended for Three Matches

Michael Cheika, former Leinster Rugby boss, has received a two-game touchline ban after disrespecting an independent match day doctor during a Gallagher Premiership match against Exeter. The disciplinary panel deemed Cheika's behavior prejudicial to the sport, resulting in one week of the ban being suspended until the end of the 2024/2025 season. In related news, Olympique de Marseille's sporting director Mehdi Benatia has been suspended for three matches due to insulting comments directed at match officials following a game against Lyon. Marseille has expressed strong disagreement with the decision, claiming it is disproportionate and inconsistent with past rulings. Benatia's comments were made during halftime, criticizing the referee's decision to issue a red card to one of his players. Despite the controversy, Marseille secured a 3-2 victory in that match.