Categories: News

Neymar out of El Clasico

Barcelona’s Brazilian superstar Neymar will miss a huge La Liga clash at Real Madrid on April 23 after being handed a three-game suspension, the Spanish federation said on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old forward was shown the first red card of his Barcelona career for two bookable offences as Barca’s title defence suffered a big blow in a 2-0 defeat at Malaga on Saturday.

However, he was handed an extra two-match suspension on top of the automatic one-game ban for sarcastically applauding the officials as he left the pitch.

Barcelona are expected to appeal the decision.

As well as missing a potential La Liga title decider at the Bernabeu, Neymar will be absent for home games against Real Sociedad and Osasuna.

Madrid lead Barca by three points at the top of the table but also have a game in hand as they close on a first league title in five years.

Neymar was booked in the first half at La Rosaleda for delaying a Malaga free-kick by tying his shoelaces in front of the ball and then charged into Roberto Rosales 25 minutes from time to see his second yellow card.

“I think the interpretation of the yellow cards is special,” said Barcelona boss Luis Enrique after the game.

“We have to be very careful in some games because there were some ugly challenges from behind that went unpunished and tying boots was.”

It is not the first time in recent weeks Neymar’s attention to detail with his boots caught the eye.

He changed his footwear whilst play was ongoing in Barca’s two previous games against Granada and Sevilla, leaving his side temporarily down to 10 men.

Neymar has a highly lucrative long-term sponsorship deal with Nike with suggestions his antics may be to ensure his boots get extra time on camera.

This post was last modified on %s = human-readable time difference 1:57 pm

SoccerNet Editor

Share
Published by
SoccerNet Editor

Recent Posts

Afrobeats superstar snubs Victor Osimhen urges Arsenal to sign Ademola Lookman and Viktor Gyokeres next

Afrobeats superstar Odumodublvck has urged Arsenal to sign Viktor Gyokeres and Super Eagles forward Ademola… Read More

6 hours ago

“He’s the best striker in Turkïye” – Former Beşiktaş midfielder heaps praise on Osimhen, rates him higher than Moroccan striker

Former Beşiktaş and Turkïye midfielder, Sergen Yalçın has praised Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker, Victor… Read More

11 hours ago

Report: Napoli to set up Victor Osimhen’s move to AC Milan next summer

2022/2023 Italian Serie A Champions, Napoli, are looking to favour AC Milan in their pursuit… Read More

12 hours ago

“With all my heart” – Stanley Nwabali reveals South African club he would be willing to ditch Chippa United for

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has revealed that he would have loved to move to… Read More

12 hours ago

“Kelechi’s was clear” – Sevilla coach points to Iheanacho’s open-goal miss in Real Sociedad defeat (WATCH)

Sevilla manager García Pimienta singled out Kelechi Iheanacho's missed open-goal opportunity as a pivotal moment… Read More

14 hours ago

“On a higher level” – Atalanta boss lauds Lookman and two others in 3-0 win over Conte’s Napoli

Atalanta head coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, has praised Ademola Lookman and two other attackers for… Read More

16 hours ago