BARCELONA, Spain: Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has been given three-match ban in La Liga for showing “disrespect” toward a referee, which he will serve when Spanish domestic football resumes after the World Cup.
The Polish striker was sent off for two bookings against Osasuna on November 8 and made a gesture, touching his nose as he left the pitch, which was considered disrespectful to referee Jesus Gil Manzano.
In addition to the automatic one-match suspension, a further two matches were imposed on the striker for showing “an attitude of contempt or disrespect” toward the official, the Spanish FA said in a document on Wednesday.
Lewandowski, the league’s top scorer on 13 goals, is set to miss the derby against Espanyol and games against Atletico Madrid and Getafe.
“It’s funny, because the gesture was for Xavi, not for the referee,” said Lewandowski last week at a ceremony where he received the Golden Boot for finishing as Europe’s top scorer last season at Bayern Munich.
“Last week, I think, we already talked about being careful if we were booked, because something like that could happen, and, in the end, it did.
“It’s my fault, I saw two yellow cards, but the gesture was for (Xavi).”
Barcelona may appeal the suspension.
Gerard Pique, who was on the bench and also sent off for insulting the referee, has been issued a four-game ban — however the Spanish defender has retired from football so will not serve it.
Barcelona came from behind to win the game 2-1, leaving them two points ahead of champions Real Madrid at the top of the table, after 14 games.
Lewandowski issued three-match ban after ‘disrespect’ toward ref
https://arab.news/8v3tk
Lewandowski issued three-match ban after ‘disrespect’ toward ref
- The Polish striker was sent off for two bookings against Osasuna on November 8 and made a gesture
- "It's funny, because the gesture was for Xavi, not for the referee," said Lewandowski last week
Desert Vipers chief urges side to focus on playoff, not ILT20 trophy
- The Vipers, the most successful team this season with eight wins from 10 matches, take on the Emirates knowing the winner will secure a direct place in the final
DUBAI: The Desert Vipers’ director of cricket, Tom Moody, has urged his side to focus on the immediate challenge of Qualifier 1 against MI Emirates on Tuesday rather than lifting the DP World ILT20 trophy.
Speaking on the Vipers Voices podcast on Monday, Moody said: “You do not look at the prize, as simple as that. Yes, we all want to be successful. Yes, we all want to win trophies, but if you get too obsessed with that mission, you end up falling short.”
The Vipers, the most successful team this season with eight wins from 10 matches, take on the Emirates knowing the winner will secure a direct place in the final.
Moody, a former World Cup winner with Australia, stressed the importance of approaching the game positively and executing a perfect performance with bat, ball and in the field.
“If we just take that positive outlook and draw on the experience we have had, concentrate on just trying to put together our perfect game, we should be in good hands,” he said.
Moody acknowledged the strength of MI Emirates, led by Kieron Pollard, and highlighted the challenge of playing at Abu Dhabi, where the opposition is familiar with the conditions.
“They play most of their games there, so that is an advantage for them. But at the end of the day, you are not really playing the opposition; you are playing the ball,” he added.
Reflecting on the Vipers’ season, Moody said five of their eight league wins came in the final over, giving the team experience under pressure.
“It gives important lessons for the team and builds trust within the playing group,” he said.
He also addressed the impact of the cooler conditions in the UAE and dew on the finals series, saying the team must adapt regardless of the toss.
“From my perspective, the mindset we need to share is that it does not matter. We just need to adapt,” he said.
