Miguel Azeez has received a one-match ban from the FA for picking up and throwing down a flare on his debut for Wigan Athletic.

Miguel Azeez with Wigan Athletic (Photo via Azeez on Instagram)
Miguel Azeez with Wigan Athletic (Photo via Azeez on Instagram)

The BBC confirm that Arsenal loanee Miguel Azeez has received a one-match ban after admitting an improper conduct charge for an incident on his debut for Wigan Athletic.

The midfielder will now miss Wigan’s next game, a Championship match against Blackburn on Monday, February 6th.

The FA initially announced last week on Thursday that Azeez had been charged following the EFL Championship game between Wigan Athletic and Cardiff City on Saturday, 14th January 2023.

The offending incident seemingly took place during Wigan’s goal celebrations, with the team having scored a late injury-time equaliser.

Azeez celebrated with his teammates, before noticing a flare thrown onto the pitch by a Wigan fan. The Arsenal loanee picked it up, held it aloft, and then threw it to the floor a metre or so away.

Though the flare didn’t hit anyone, or even go particularly near anyone, it was enough for a one-match ban.

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Miguel Azeez (Photo via Azeez on Twitter)
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Miguel Azeez with the Arsenal academy (Photo via Azeez on Twitter)

Arsenal have been charged by the FA over a number of incidents recently, and now it seems even the loanees are at risk.

Azeez isn’t the first player to be banned for incidents involving a flare, with Richarlison receiving a one-game suspension last year. But Richarlison threw his flare into the crowd, so for Azeez to receive the same punishment seems harsh.

There’s nothing to be done now. Azeez will simply have to prepare for Wigan’s following game against Huddersfield on Saturday, February 11th.