FC Barcelona to appeal Messi suspension

FC Barcelona is to appeal the suspension issued to Leo Messi. The Competition Committee announced on Tuesday that the Argentinian’s red card in the final minutes of the Spanish Super Cup Final against Athletic Club shall incur a two-match ban.

It was the first time that Messi had ever been sent off while playing for FC Barcelona.

The referee’s report describes the motivation thus: "Striking an opponent with his arm with excessive force while the ball was in play but not within a playable distance.”