Robert Lewandowski unhappy over Barcelona match ban
- Rob Fleming
- 19 November 2022
Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski has criticised La Liga after his three-match ban for picking up two yellow carded against Osasuna.
The 34-year-old striker was sent off for Barcelona following his double booking in the 2-1 loss against Osasuna on 8 November, just before the World Cup break.
Lewandowski got his first yellow card for a push on Nacho Vidal in the 11th minute, then got sent off after 30 minutes by referee Jesus Gil Manzano, after a reckless nonsensical elbow hit while in the air on David Garcia.
The Polish international then seemed to make a gesture indicating Manzano was 'on drugs' or 'deluded', which he later claimed was directed to Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez on the bench.
But following the RFEF and La Liga's review of Manzano's post game report, Lewandowski's suspension was increased from one to three matches.
This now means the star-striker will miss matches against Espanyol, Atletico Madrid and Real Betis on his return after the World Cup.
In a report carried by Marca, Lewandowski said: "For me, it's too long. The gesture was not directed at the referee, but towards the bench.
"I hope the appeal prospers," he added.
Lewandowski is expected to captain Poland in their World Cup opener against Mexico on Tuesday in Group C. Poland will also be facing Saudi Arabia and Argentina the group.
