According to the BBC, FC Barcelona are set to appeal Lionel Messi’s ban after the Argentine was given his first red card for the Barca first-team in Spanish Super Cup last week.
Messi was given his marching orders after he lashed out at Athletic Bilbao’s Asier Villalibre in the dying moments of extra-time in the Spanish Super Cup final.
The referee described Messi’s actions as “striking an opponent with his arm with excessive force while the ball was in play but not within a playable distance”.
Messi sees red for an off-the-ball swing. pic.twitter.com/PAW8cm95OR
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 17, 2021
Video courtesy of ESPNFC via Twitter
The Barcelona captain could have no complaints really after he swung and arm at an Atletico player Villalibre sending him crashing to the ground holding his head.
After consulting with VAR the referee decided Messi’s actions were dangerous and gave the 33-year-old Barca legend his marching orders.
Messi was given a two-game suspension which means he is set to miss Thursday’s Copa del Rey last-32 tie against Cornella and Sunday’s La Liga match away to Elche.