REVE.ALED! Why Messi is set to face four-game ban | READ DETAILS
chuks oti
Jan 19, 2021
Lionel Messi could face a four-match ban after being sent off for taking a swipe at Athletic Bilbao's Asier Villalibre in Sunday's Spanish Supercopa final.
READ ALSO: See The Wife Of Aki With His Lovely Daughter (Photos)
Barca lost 3-2 despite twice taking the lead through Antoine Griezmann, who afterward said he was "p***ed offÔÇØ at what transpired in Seville.
READ ALSO: Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham in talks with ex-Brighton boss about taking over as head coach
Koeman said he could empathise with Messi's frustration, saying the 33-year-old was fouled constantly during the clash against Athletic.
READ ALSO: ISUIKWUATO/UMUNNEOCHI FED. CONST: Hon. Amobi Ogah Will Outshine His Predecessors - Chris Igwe
"I can understand what Messi did,ÔÇØ said Koeman, quoted by ESPN.
READ ALSO: Chelsea finances: Blues announce biggest pre-tax loss of any club in Premier League history
"I don't know how many times they fouled him, and it's normal to react when they keep trying to foul you as a player who is looking to dribble with the ball, but I need to see it again properly.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: Eddie Howe Under Pressure as Newcastle Face Summer Exodus and Uncertain Future
Messi will now be suspended for two games but the ban could be doubled when the Royal Spanish Football Federation's competition committee meets this week to discuss it.
READ ALSO: BREAKING NEWS: Former IGP, Tafa Balogun is dead
The forward will miss Thursday's Copa de Rey trip to face third-tier Cornella and Sunday's La Liga game away to Elche.
He could also miss the next round of the Copa if Barca progress, and the visit of Bilbao in La Liga on January 31.
READ ALSO: PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike's Camp Defies Court Order, Conducts South-South Zonal Congress in Calabar
Messi had passed a late fitness to start Sunday's Supercopa final, after missing the semi-final victory over Real Sociedad.
READ ALSO: Coronavirus will reach every state in Nigeria, no state can escape - NCDC Boss, Ihekweazu
Barca had gone into the game unbeaten in nine games in all competitions and looked set to make it 10 when Griezmann struck twice.
But the French striker was denied his first trophy since joining Barca after his goals were cancelled out by strikes from Oscar De Marcos, Villalibre and Inaki Williams.
READ ALSO: How Gunmen Invade UNTH Enugu, Abduct Director, And Others
"I am pissed off, angry, annoyed,ÔÇØ Griezmann told reporters after the defeat.
READ ALSO: Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
"I have all the bad feelings you can have after losing a final. We made mistakes at set plays, we defended poorly, we didn't speak at free-kicks. They're important details.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: See The Wife Of Aki With His Lovely Daughter (Photos)
Messi's first red card in 753 for Barcelona was the fourth of his career overall.
READ ALSO: Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham in talks with ex-Brighton boss about taking over as head coach
He has been sent off twice playing for Argentina, including on his debut in 2005, and was dismissed during a Barca B game the same year.
Related Stories
David Raya is the best goalkeeper in the world, says Arsenal team-mate Kai Havertz after Sporting heroics
Sandro Tonali will choose Manchester United if they secure Champions League football
Chelsea finances: Blues announce biggest pre-tax loss of any club in Premier League history
Who has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Who do England and Scotland play? Could Lionel Messi face Cristiano Ronaldo?
Eddie Howe Under Pressure as Newcastle Face Summer Exodus and Uncertain Future
Roberto De Zerbi: Tottenham in talks with ex-Brighton boss about taking over as head coach
""
— chuks oti