F.C Barcelona have condemned Lionel Messi’s four-match-ban for insulting a referee. Messi was suspended from four international matches for insulting the linesman during Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Chile last week. Barcelona have issued a statement in support of the Argentine before someone gets sacked or Messi gets angry and refuses to sign another contract.
“FC Barcelona expresses its surprise and outrage at the actions of the Office of Disciplinary Committee of FIFA to sanction the player Leo Messi after the qualifying match of the FIFA World Cup between Argentina and Chile,” a statement read.
“The club considers the sanction of four games imposed against Messi unfair and totally disproportionate.
“Finally, FC Barcelona wishes to reiterate its support for Leo Messi, an exemplary athlete, for his behaviour on and off the pitch.”
The ban was announced some hours before the Abiceleste’s game at Bolivia. In Messi’s absence, Edgardo Bauza’s team lost 2-0 in La Paz, leaving them fifth in CONMEBOL qualifying and facing the prospect of needing to win an inter-confederation play-off if they are to reach the World Cup in Russia.
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via GET Sportonline
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