Shock as Messi faces huge 12-match ban for punching opponent

Football
By Mirror | Jan 19, 2021
Soccer Football - Spanish Super Cup Final - FC Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao - Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla, Seville, Spain - January 17, 2021 Barcelona's Lionel Messi [Reuters, Marcelo Del Pozo]

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/football/2001400469/why-lionel-messi-faces-four-match-ban">Lionel Messi could be hit with a huge 12-match Athletic Bilbao< to be "aggressive".

="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/category/29/football">Barcelona Messi lashed out at Asier Villalibre's head and was shown a straight red card.

The Argentine faces being suspended for anywhere between four and 12 matches, depending on the way the Spanish FA review the incident.

If the six-time Ballon d'Or winner is deemed to have acted in an aggressive manner then he could face the maximum time out of action.

Messi would miss a significant portion of the season if he's hit with the maximum ban.

Soccer Football - Spanish Super Cup Final - FC Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao - Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla, Seville, Spain - January 17, 2021 Barcelona's Lionel Messi in action with Athletic Bilbao's Ander Capa [Reuters, Marcelo Del Pozo]

Currently, Barcelona are third in La Liga and need Messi firing on all cylinders if they are to catch Atletico Madrid at the top of the table.

If the Spanish FA aren't convinced Messi acted in an aggressive manner then he will face a regular suspension and will miss between one and three games.

Messi lost his lead right at the end of the Spanish Super Cup final after Athletic Bilbao came from behind to beat the Catalan giants 3-2.

Antoine Griezmann opened the scoring for Barcelona before Oscar de Marcos levelled things up just before the break.

Griezmann restored Barcelona's advantage but a Villalibre goal took the game to extra time, where Inaki Williams netted the all-important match-winning goal.

Share this story
Football legends bid farewell to Austin Oduor as they ask for government help
The late Oduor served as Harambee Stars captain from 1988 to 1990 during his days as a defender.
Elgon Cup: Kenya Simbas ready to rectify mistakes as battle shifts to Kampala
One change, two new faces as Simbas squad named for Elgon Cup decider.
Kenyans chase after Sh3.4m prize money in Nigeria tournament
The confirmed players are from Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Gambia, Cameroon and Nigeria.
Ruth Chepngetich wins October SJAK Sports Personality of the Month
Last month, Chepngetich ran 2:09:56 breaking the one-year record (2:11:53) held by Ethiopia Tigst Assefa.
Curry dazzles on Thompson's return as Warriors down Mavs
Thompson joined Dallas Mavericks in July, Embiid back but 76ers beaten.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS