Barcelona will appeal against captain Lionel Messi's two-match ban he received for striking an Athletic Bilbao opponent.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
Messi received a red card after he lashed out at Asier Villalibre late in the Spanish Super Cup final defeat, hitting him with his arm.
It was the first time the 33-year-old soccer superstar had ever been sent off while playing for Barcelona in 754 matches.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) handed down a two-game suspension on Tuesday but soon after Barcelona announced they would appeal.
"FC Barcelona is to appeal the suspension issued to Leo Messi," a statement read.
Messi is set to miss Thursday's last-32 Copa del Rey game away to Cornella and Sunday's La Liga trip to play Elche.
The Barcelona captain escaped what could have been a lengthier ban.
He would have faced a sanction ranging from four to 12 matches had the RFEF's competition committee described the incident as aggression.
But it was instead reported as "violence during play", which is punished with a two to three game ban.
He has received two red cards while playing for Argentina, including on his debut back in 2005.
Australian Associated Press
