Nottingham Forest have been informed that left-back Gaetan Bong has been suspended for the next three matches. He was seen to perform an act of violent conduct on Callum O’Hare which wasn’t picked up by the referee in Sunday’s defeat to Coventry.
Bong hasn’t covered himself in glory during his time at Forest. It’s fair to say this is an untimely blow, however. The Reds are now without a recognised left-back for the next three fixtures.
The 33-year-old had one foot out of the City Ground door earlier this summer. He was training away from Chris Hughton’s squad having been deemed surplus to requirements.
Injury to Tyler Blackett saw him earn a reprieve, however. The ex-Manchester United man has now joined FC Cincinnati, with Bong handed the chance to start for Forest in the 2021/22 curtain-raiser.
Bong checked in for the Reds during January 2020. He made just one appearance during the second half of the 2019/20 campaign and wasn’t considered part of Sabri Lamouchi’s team.
Now, the Reds must decide how to tackle the conundrum on the left-hand side of the back four. It could also see Forest ramp up their efforts to land another left-back, something which they’ve been trying to do for a few weeks.
Forest supporters delighted at Bong ban
It sounds awful to say but fans aren’t really bothered that Bong will miss the next three matches. In fact, if anything, the majority of supporters are thrilled.
It does leave Forest in a predicament but it seems as though fans would prefer it if Bong wasn’t involved anyway. Now, the challenge for Hughton is to find a replacement for his left-back.
Following this afternoon’s announcement from the Football Association, Forest fans have been reacting on Twitter. Here is what they had to say about Bong’s suspension.
Buzzing.
— Lewis Morris (@lewis_nffc) August 11, 2021
The best bad news I’ve ever heard
— kian phillips (@Kian51373294) August 11, 2021
Or it's a blessing in disguise as it forces the issue and means they need LB right now rather than waiting about.
— Todd Unctious (@VeryMuchHutch) August 11, 2021
He gets given an opportunity and repays Hughton with stupid behavior.
— Warren Allsworth (@warrenallsworth) August 11, 2021
He shouldn’t play for the club again.
Said it at the time, was an idiotic and unnecessary outburst from him. Unacceptable.
— James Tumilty (@EmeraldHitman) August 11, 2021