Lemina could face action after groin punch

Marseille midfielder Mario Lemina could be facing a lengthy ban after being sent off for a bizarre indiscretion against Rennes.

Marseille midfielder Mario Lemina could be facing a lengthy suspension after he was sent off for punching Rennes’ Ola Toivonen in the groin on Saturday.

Lemina was dismissed six minutes from time in Marseille’s 1-1 Ligue 1 draw at the Stade de Route de Lorient in an incident that could prompt strong action from the French league.

The ex-Lorient man was tussling for the ball with Swede Toivonen – who had put Rennes ahead in the 27th minute – when he reacted to receiving a kick in the back by launching a jab into the striker’s groin.

Referee Amaury Delerue was left with no choice but to dismiss Lemina and, with the Ligue de Football Professionnel’s (LFP) disciplinary panel deciding sanctions on a case-by-case basis, the Gabonese could now be hit with a hefty ban.

The LFP have a history of handing down stern punishments for violent offences, one of the most notable in recent times coming back in September, when Bastia striker Brandao was punished with a six-month ban for headbutting Paris Saint-Germain’s Thiago Motta in the tunnel at the Parc des Princes.

Lucas Ocampos had earlier cancelled out Toivonen’s strike with a goal on his debut in the 60th minute prior to Lemina’s moment of madness.

Marseille are now a point behind Lyon – who meet defending champions Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday – at the top of Ligue 1.