Kylian Mbappe 10-game suspension verdict emerges ahead of Real Madrid vs Arsenal

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes Kylian Mbappe's 'cowardly' challenge that saw the striker sent off prior to facing Arsenal again in the Champions League should earn him a 10-game suspension.

Mbappe will be entering the return leg against Arsenal on the back of a straight sending-off in La Liga, so his focus will need to undergo a complete reset. Playing Alaves on Sunday, the Frenchman's studs-up challenge on opponent Antonio Blanco was punished without question.

Because the act came in a La Liga fixture, not one overseen by UEFA, any subsequent suspension would only be enforced in Spanish football and therefore not include the upcoming Gunners clash.

Typically a straight red card in Spain earns the offender a two-game ban - something that former PGMOL chief Hackett believes must be increased fivefold.

“That is a very bad challenge that fully deserved the red card he received," the 80-year-old told Football Insider. "He put the career of his opponent at risk, the action was one of sheer brutality.

"I hope the authorities will demonstrate that there is no room in the game for this cowardly act. I hope, despite his name and reputation, that he is given a minimum ten-match ban."

Mikel Arteta's side are in the driving seat to progress, having Declan Rice and Mikel Merino to thank for that. Now all they just need to see out the tie.