Panathinaikos midfielder Kings Kangwa faces up to three-match ban after derby red card

Panathinaikos midfielder Kings Kangwa was sent off during his team's commanding derby victory against AEK Athens after losing his temper in a duel with Koita. The 27-year-old Zambian player's dismissal was described as the only negative point for Panathinaikos in the match. The club is now awaiting the official disciplinary decision regarding his punishment.

The length of Kangwa's suspension will range from one to three matches, depending on what German referee Sven Jablonski writes in his match report. Regardless of the final ruling, Kangwa is certain to miss Panathinaikos's upcoming fixture against Iraklis at the Kaftanzoglio stadium. If he receives the maximum three-match ban, head coach Nistrup will also be without him for the home game against OFI on November 22 and the away match against Atromitos in Peristeri on November 29.

The potential sanctions are outlined in Article 10 of the competition's Disciplinary Code, which governs order and discipline on the field during official and friendly matches. A one-match exclusion and an 80 euro fine apply if a player is dismissed for dangerous play, inappropriate conduct toward players or officials, or pushing an opponent outside of active play. A two-match ban and 120 euro fine are prescribed for abusive behavior or attempted violence against an opponent, teammate, spectator, or team official. The most severe penalty under the article is a three-match exclusion and a 200 euro fine, reserved for acts of violence or brutal behavior toward any of those parties, even if committed in self-defense.

Panathinaikos has recent experience navigating this disciplinary framework. In a comparable situation, forward Dessers was sent off during a derby against PAOK and initially handed a three-match suspension for violence against an opponent. The club filed an appeal, arguing that the incident constituted only a momentary push rather than violent conduct. The appeal was successful, and Dessers' punishment was reduced to a single match. That precedent may inform how Panathinaikos approaches Kangwa's case once Jablonski's report is reviewed by the disciplinary committee.