Despite his suspension, Robert Lewandowski has been cleared to play in Barcelona’s derby against Espanyol on Saturday. Following his red card in Barcelona’s 2-1 win away to Osasuna on November 8, the 34-year-old striker was given a three-match suspension. Lewandowski was sent off for the second time in his illustrious career after receiving two yellow cards in the first half of the tense La Liga clash, in which teammate Gerard Pique was also sent off despite not even playing.
Espanyol slam Robert Lewandowski
Because of a gesture he made while walking off the field, Lewandowski’s suspension was extended by two matches. The Poland captain had reacted to being sent off by touching his nose and pointing at the match referee, Jesus Gil Manzano, in an arrogant and disrespectful gesture. Barcelona, on the other hand, were surprised to learn on Friday that their No.9’s ban had been temporarily lifted by a court in Madrid, pending a final decision after the Blaugrana had previously failed with a series of appeals during the World Cup break.
Espanyol, meanwhile, promptly released an official statement reacting to the shock news, as they furiously labelled the ruling a “injustice”. Barcelona was taken aback by the court’s decision, with their own statement reading: “Lewandowski can play against Espanyol on Saturday after the Madrid dispute settlement court issued a precautionary measure against the suspension imposed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
