Is five-match ban for Qatar's Madibo excessive?

Is five-match ban for Qatar's Madibo excessive?ByKatharine SharpeBBC Sport senior journalistPublished1 minute agoQatar's Assim Madibo was handed a five-match ban as punishment for his challenge on Canada's Ismael Kone, which resulted in the midfielder suffering a broken leg. But did Madibo deserve it?The suspension was handed out by Fifa's disciplinary committee, subject to appeal. But many are claiming the ruling is "excessive" as Madibo's challenge did not seem to be done with malicious intent.The incident happened eight minutes into the second half of Canada's 6-0 win over Qatar in Group B, with the victory - the home side's first in a World Cup - slightly overshadowed by the incident.Kone suffered fractures to both the tibia and fibula bones in his lower left leg and the Sassuolo midfielder will miss the rest of the tournament."It was right in front of us, and everyone could hear the bone snap," said Canada head coach Jesse Marsch."Everybody's a little shaken by the whole experience because of the nature of the injury, and also because Ismael is a big part of the heart of our team. It will be a big loss for us."In announcing the sanction, Fifa said it was "for a breach of article 14.1.e of the FIFA Disciplinary Code", which means a suspension of at least two matches for serious foul play, but Madibo has received five.Get in touchSend us your questionsContact formContact form'Respectfully, this is excessive'Madibo's ban certainly seems on the upper end of the scale in terms of punishment.Uruguay striker Luis Suarez was given a nine-matches suspension for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.Italy defender Mauro Tassotti was suspended for eight games for an elbow on Spain forward Luis Enrique in 1994, which left the now-Paris St-Germain boss with a broken bose.Former referee Christina Unkel said: "Respectfully, this is excessive. T...