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

[BBC] Qatar'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. '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. The outcome very unfortunate but the punishment does not fit the crime. "This was not violent conduct and the challenge was an attempt to play [the] ball. This is too much." Under Fifa's disciplinary code for violent conduct, Cristiano Ronaldo should have received a three-match ban for an elbow last November, which would have led to him missing the opening matches at this year's tournament. It was reduced to a one-game ban, with the remaining two suspended for a year, with the other two games suspended which meant he was available for Portugal's opening World Cup match against DR Congo. BBC Sport understands that the fact it was Ronaldo's first red card in 225 international appearances was taken into account. Qatar, who have been eliminated from the World Cup and therefore Madibo's suspension will carry on to their next set of international fixtures, are expected to appeal Fifa's decision. Madibo, who has been capped 64 times since his debut in 2017, had never been sent off at international level before his dismissal against Canada. The 29-year-old has also displayed genuine remorse, not just on the field in the aftermath of the incident, but also visited Kone in hospital. More questions answered... What is the World Cup prize money? Do World Cup winners need to win every group stage match? Who is the DR Congo superfan?