A one-match ban for Clement Lenglet has been decided after the defender was shown a straight red during Barcelona’s match against Girona.
Barcelona played a 2-2 draw in a feisty encounter against Girona at the Camp Nou on Sunday night. The Catalans were held by their neighbours from approximately fifty miles apart as they looked resolute and determined to get a positive result from their visit to one of the toughest grounds.
The result could have been different had Barcelona not played majority of the match with ten men. New signing Clement Lenglet was shown a straight red card by referee Jesus Gil Manzano in the aftermath of elbowing Girona’s Pere Pons. In spite of the match official consulting VAR, it was a controversial decision.
What looked to be a comfortable win following Messi’s opening goal in the first half turned out to a draw that could have nearly been a loss. Subsequently, Barcelona’s players were left furious over their teammate’s sending off and displayed their resentment in the post-match interviews.
The club also announced through its official website that it will be appealing the red card which was thought to be unfair. The appeal has now been made by Barcelona but the ban has been upheld by the refereeing committee of Spain. This would mean that Lenglet misses Barcelona’s visit to Madrid on Wednesday night when they take on league minnows in Leganes.
Thankfully, Ernesto Valverde has cover in the centre of defence thanks to the presence of Samuel Umtiti who played only one half against Girona. However, the debatable decision left Barcelona fans and the players especially in disbelief as they ended up dropping two very important points.
Barcelona will be gunning for victory at the Butarque on Wednesday evening’s clash and continue their gap over Real Madrid who face a difficult visit to Andalusian giants Sevilla. The defending La Liga champions are currently top of the table but lead only through a superior goal difference.
