Atletico Madrid's Trippier hit with lengthy gambling ban

MADRID - Atletico Madrid's title push suffered a setback on Wednesday when England international right-back Kieran Trippier was given a 10-week ban from football by the English FA for supposedly breaking betting rules in the summer of 2019.

The 30-year-old, who denies the charge, has also been fined 70,000 pounds (around 77,000 euros) with his suspension "which includes all footballing activity and that related to football... effective worldwide from today" (Dec 23).

Trippier has been vital to Atletico's rise to the top of La Liga, where they currently hold a five-point lead over Real Madrid with a game in hand. He has played 1,710 minutes so far this season, only resting for their Copa del Rey tie against fourth tier Cardassar last week and providing several assists with his work down the right flank.

Sime Vrsaljko returned to action against Cardassar and is likely to replace Trippier for the 10 La Liga games and Champions League tie he will be sidelined.