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Darwin Nunez should receive a FIVE-match ban for 'disgraceful' headbutt on Joachim Andersen, insists Jason Cundy

Darwin Nunez should receive a FIVE-match ban for 'disgraceful' headbutt on Joachim Andersen, insists Jason Cundy

Nunez was sent off on his competitive home debut for Liverpool against Crystal Palace.

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez should be slapped with a five-match ban for his headbutt on Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen, according to talkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy.

Nunez's competitive home debut for Liverpool ended in disaster on Monday night when the Uruguayan was shown a straight red card after an altercation with Andersen in the second half at Anfield.

After appearing to aim his head towards Andersen earlier on in the incident, Nunez connected with a second attempt after reacting angrily to a push from the Denmark international.

He was shown a straight red card by referee Paul Tierney, while Anderson was also shown a yellow.

The sending-off would cost Liverpool, who were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw in front of their home support. 

Nunez is now set to miss Liverpool's next three Premier League matches against Manchester United, Bournemouth and Newcastle.

But former Chelsea and Tottenham defender Cundy believes the Uruguay international should be given a harsher punishment.

"The head-butt from Nunez, I personally think he'll get more than three, I think he'll end up with a bigger ban," Cundy said on talkSPORT.

"What he did tonight was a disgrace. Absolute disgrace.

"I think he should get a five-match ban. Violent conduct right there. Headbutting someone is an assault, that is an assault. He headbutted him.

"That to me is more than three games. What you saw him do could've broken Andersen's nose."

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes Nunez was provoked by Anderson but says the young striker must learn to control his emotions.

"There was provocation but it was definitely the wrong reaction," admitted Klopp.

Nunez was sent off for a headbutt on Andersen in Monday's 1-1 draw at Anfield (Image: Alamy)
Nunez was sent off for a headbutt on Andersen in Monday's 1-1 draw at Anfield (Image: Alamy)

"He will learn from that. Unfortunately he has now three games to do that. It is not cool for us but it is how it is.

"Of course I will speak with him. I came in [after the game] and wanted to see the situation [on television]. In the game I could not see anything so I could know what happened.

"I saw Andersen on the floor and Darwin walking away. That was my picture. Then I saw it – yes it is a red card.

"Wrong reaction in the situation. Andersen wanted that, he got it but he (Nunez) made a mistake. Of course I will talk about it with Darwin but not yet."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy & talkSPORT

Topics: Football, Premier League, Liverpool, Darwin Nunez, Crystal Palace