Qatar: A surprising setback for Bennacer!

Oct 9, 2026

Algerian midfielder Ismaël Bennacer will need to be patient before returning to the continental stage with Al-Gharafa. A disciplinary decision has disrupted his upcoming weeks in Qatar.

The verdict has been delivered for Ismaël Bennacer. Sent off during the match between Al-Gharafa and Al-Hilal on September 15, which was part of the opening day of the AFC Elite Champions League, the Algerian international has been punished by the disciplinary committee of the Asian body. They have imposed a three-match suspension on him, along with a fine of $2,000.

This decision follows incidents that occurred in the 32nd minute of the match, which was won by the Saudi club with a score of 2-1. A dangerous altercation between several players led the referee to show a direct red card to Bennacer, as well as to the Dutch forward of Al-Hilal, Crysencio Summerville.

The disciplinary committee's ruling is the same for both players, who will each miss the next three matches of their team in this continental competition.

For Al-Gharafa, this sanction represents a setback, as the Qatari club will have to do without their midfielder during matches against Esteghlal, Al-Ahli, and Al-Qadsiah. This is a crucial series of matches during which the team will need to find solutions to cope with the absence of the former AC Milan and Olympique de Marseille player.

Having arrived in Qatar in September 2026, Bennacer joined Al-Gharafa with the hope of reviving his career after his experiences in Europe. However, his dismissal against Al-Hilal has prematurely interrupted his debut on the Asian stage.

The Algerian midfielder will now have to wait until the fifth matchday of the group stage to hope to return to competition, which consists of a total of eight matchdays. Until then, his team will need to strive to navigate this period without one of their key reinforcements, as every result can impact their fight for qualification.

BIG SCUFFLE BETWEEN CRYSENCIO SUMMERVILLE AND ISMAEL BENNACER: BOTH PLAYERS ARE SENT OFF!

https://t.co/PNZ0DlOxND

— Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) September 15, 2026

DZfoot