Sergi Roberto set to miss the start of next season

Sergi Roberto faces four-match ban, to miss the start of next season

Barcelona defender Sergi Roberto has been handed a four-match ban, following the red-card during El Clasico. Roberto was punished by the referee for his blatant strike on Real Madrid defender Marcelo.

Roberto is set to miss the remainder of the current season and the start of the next season, following the ban.

In its disciplinary statement published on the website, The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced the ban on Roberto was given for “assaulting another player”. The incident took place in the first half, when Roberto and Marcelo clashed off-the-ball during the El Clasico.

Sergi Roberto was already confirmed a ban for the home game against Villareal, but will now miss all the remaining La Liga games of the season. Roberto has been an important figure in Barcelona’s bid to become the first team to successfully complete the invincible La Liga run since 1933.

In his match report, Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez said that Roberto was given the red card for “striking an opponent with his arm with excessive force while the ball was not near enough to be in dispute”. Referee’s comments signified that Roberto’s foul was intentional.

Following the red card, the El Clasico game ended in a 2-2 draw. FC Barcelona has already won the La Liga title, with three games to go. The four-match ban could be a blow to Barca’s hopes of ensuring an unbeaten run in La Liga.

Barcelona has three La Liga games remaining for the season, which means Roberto will also miss their first league game of the next season. Hence, he will miss the match which kickstarts the club’s title defence.