Yes it would be hard for him, it would show a level of decency and honesty he is clearly incapable of.
He seemingly can't even be honest we himself, he is a quite detestable character and personally I cannot stand him. It doesn't matter how good a player he is he is a repulsive character and he will do something like this again soon enough.
Perhaps if those around him both at international and club level were a little more honest with him then he may be able to be a little more honest with himself and admit his demons.
If he were a lesser player there wouldn't be half the sympathy or defenders of him and he would no doubt be looking at a far more lengthy ban.
I mostly agree with you but we tend to be judgemental about players when we don't know them or what their upbringing was like. Theres zero honesty in football anyway.