GERARD PIQUE has been slapped with a four-game ban… despite already retiring.
The legendary Barcelona defender was shown a red card in his final match for the club last week.
Pique, 35, started the game against Osasuna on the bench and was an unused substitute by half-time when he launched an expletive-filled tirade at referee Jesus Gil Manzano in the tunnel.
The ex-Manchester United man was furious at the decision to send Robert Lewandowski off and is alleged to have said: “Did you see the corner you gave against us?
“You are the referee that has f***ed us over the most by a distance.
“It is a f***ing disgrace. “F*** your mother.”
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That prompted Manzamo to brandish another red card – depriving Pique of the chance to make his farewell appearance.
Now the Spanish football federation (RFEF) have confirmed Pique is suspended for four games for the insults.
But he will not have to serve his punishment because he has already hung up his boots.
However, Xavi will be without Lewandowski for the first three matches.
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Barcelona’s next league game after the World Cup break is against rivals Espanyol before facing Atletico Madrid and then Getafe.
Despite being shown two yellow cards, the second for jumping into a header with his elbow, the Polish striker received a three-match ban.
The RFED officiating committee said his suspension was due to his gesture to the referee that was of “contemptuous attitude”.
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It was only the second red card of Lewandowski’s career, almost ten years after he was dismissed in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund against Hamburg in February 2013.
Xavi’s men currently sit top of LaLiga, two points clear of Real Madrid after 14 matches.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
