LIONEL MESSI has been banned for just two matches in a major let off for Barcelona.
Spanish press reported that the Argentine faced up to 12 matches out after his red card in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Lionel Messi was facing a 12-game ban for his Spanish Super Cup red cardCredit: Rex Features
Messi was sent off after his tensions boiled over and he lashed out at Asier VillalibreCredit: Rex Features
But the sending off against Athletic Bilbao has resulted in just two games out with Barcelona set to appeal the decision.
The club wrote in a statement: “FC Barcelona is to appeal the suspension issued to Leo Messi. The Competition Committee announced on Tuesday that the Argentinian’s red card in the final minutes of the Spanish Super Cup Final against Athletic Club shall incur a two-match ban.
“It was the first time that Messi had ever been sent off while playing for FC Barcelona.
“The referee’s report describes the motivation thus: ‘Striking an opponent with his arm with excessive force while the ball was in play but not within a playable distance’.”
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The Argentine was given his marching orders after lashing out in the dying seconds of a dramatic Super Cup final against Athletic Bilbao.
With Barcelona desperately searching for an equaliser, Messi’s frustrations boiled over when Asier Villalibre attempted to block his run.
The referee watched the incident on the VAR monitor and showed no hesitation in brandishing a red card to cap a miserable night for Barca.
Athletic Bilbao won the Spanish Super Cup in extra-timeCredit: EPA
Koeman won the Super Cup three times as a player for the Catalan giants but was on the touchline to see his side throw away the trophy with just minutes to play.
Marca reported that an incident so severe could have landed Messi up to 12 games suspended.
And they also published an article with the headline “Messi, you should apologise”.
The respected Spanish outlet wrote: “This wasn’t what is expected of a captain and he should apologise.”
Athletic Bilbao won a thrilling Super Cup final with an extra-time strike from Inaki Williams.
Messi was then sent off late in the extra period with Barcelona’s hopes fading away.
Lionel Messi sent off for violent conduct as Barcelona and Ronaldo Koeman are denied first silverware against Athletic Bilbao
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
