Barcelona take appeal against Neymar's red card to CAS in last-gasp bid to have star available for clasico

The Brazilian was hit with an extended suspension after being red carded against Malaga and subsequently sarcastically clapping the match officials as he left the field

Ben Burrows
Friday 21 April 2017 09:17 EDT
Comments
Neymar was handed a three-match ban after his red card at Malaga
Neymar was handed a three-match ban after his red card at Malaga (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Barcelona are continuing their battle to get Neymar's three-match ban overturned by taking their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Brazilian was hit with an extended suspension after being red carded against Malaga and subsequently sarcastically clapping the match officials as he left the field.

The ban, of which he has already served one game, will see him miss the clasico with Real Madrid on Sunday as well as the upcoming La Liga encounter with Osasuna.

But despite having their initial appeal turned down by the league the club haven't given up on having one of their star men available at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

A statement on Barcelona's website read: "With the Appeal Committee dismissing FC Barcelona's appeal for the three-match suspension of Neymar Jr, the Club will appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

"It should be reminded that the referee showed the Brazilian two yellow cards against Málaga.

"According to the referee’s report produced by Gil Manzano, Neymar received the first card for 'not respecting the regulated distance before a free-kick, after being warned in advance'.

"For the second yellow, he was sanctioned for 'bringing down an opponent when disputing for the ball'.

"And, in addition, he also wrote that Neymar 'after being sent off and when he was heading to the tunnel, he went towards the fourth official and applauded him'."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in