Igor Thiago made his Premier League debut against Everton on Nov. 23, 2024. On Nov. 23, 2026, Brentford host Everton again, and their Brazilian striker will be watching. His three-match ban for violent conduct starts that night at the Gtech Community Stadium and also covers the next two league games, against Manchester United and Arsenal.

The appeal that failed

The red card came in the 23rd minute of Brentford's 2-0 loss at Brighton on Nov. 8. As Chema Andrés moved toward him, Thiago raised his arm and caught the Brighton player in the face, BBC Sport reported. Referee Michael Oliver first showed a yellow card and then upgraded it to red after a lengthy VAR review at the pitchside monitor.

Brentford appealed on the grounds that the contact was unintentional. They also argued the ban could be cut if it was judged excessive. The FA's regulatory commission dismissed the appeal, and the club confirmed it on Nov. 10: "The Brazilian forward's dismissal has been upheld, and he will now serve a three-match suspension."

From 22 goals to two

The ban lands on a striker who has not yet found last season's form. Thiago scored 22 Premier League goals in 38 appearances in 2025-26. This season he has started all 10 of Brentford's league games and has two goals and two assists, according to Opta's The Analyst. His goals came in the 3-0 win over Chelsea on Sept. 18 and the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Oct. 31.

That still makes him joint second on the team's league scoring chart. He has also scored twice in three League Cup appearances. Even so, his four yellow cards and the red at the Amex have cost Keith Andrews more minutes than his finishing has.

A thin attack for three games

Andrews won't have many alternatives up front. Fábio Carvalho is out with a knock and is expected back for Everton, while Rico Henry, Antoni Milambo and Josh Dasilva have no return date. Andrews said before the break that Carvalho would be "out up until after the international break."

Brentford went into the international break eighth in the table. By the time Thiago is available again, the Bees will have played Everton, United and Arsenal without the striker who scored 22 for them a year ago.