Messi's expulsion: the penalty that awaits him for aggression 4:18
(CNN Spanish) -
FC Barcelona is already working to try to reduce the two suspension dates that Lionel Messi received by the Spanish football Competition Committee, according to what he said on Tuesday.
Messi was sent off on Sunday, in the final of the Spanish Super Cup against Athletic Club de Bilbao.
In the final minutes of the clash, the Argentine gave an apparent blow to rival Asier Villalibre and saw the red card in the overtime of the match that ended with the defeat of Barça 3-2.
It is the first time that Messi is expelled defending the Barcelona shirt.
The Catalan club confirmed this Tuesday in a statement that it will appeal the sanction of its highest figure.
The institution argues: "We must remember that Messi, who had never seen a red card with FC Barcelona before, was sent off in a Barça attack in the last stages of the final."
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According to Barça, the refereeing act justified Messi's expulsion in this way: "Hitting an opponent with the arm using excessive force while the ball is in play but not at a distance from being played."
The statement did not provide further details of the appeal.
It is not known when there could be a response to this appeal.
If Messi's suspension is maintained, the 10th blaugrana will miss out on Thursday the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey against Cornellá, and will not be able to play in La Liga on Sunday when Barça visit Elche.
The team led by Ronald Koeman is third in La Liga with 34 points.
First is Atlético de Madrid with 41 units and two pending games.
Real Madrid is second with 37 points.
Penalty Committee FC Barcelona Lionel Messi
