Picture Credit: Twitter
Polish striker Robert Lewandowski faced another setback after losing to France 1-3 in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2022. He was handed a three-match ban from the Spanish footballing body RFEF.
Lewandowski was awarded a red card during Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Osasuna last month in La Liga. The footballer’s gesture to the umpire after his dismissal from the field proved to be fatal to him, as he faced flak from RFEF.
According to the relevant rule, the foul was not serious, but Lewandowski has been suspended for three games. Although Barcelona appealed against the decision, RFEF thinks the 34-year-old showed a contemptuous attitude towards the referee Jesus Gil Manzano. The Club is not satisfied with the ban being upheld and is likely to reach the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
"Addressing the referees, managers or sports authorities in terms or with attitudes of contempt or inconsideration provided that the action does not constitute a foul more serious, it will be sanctioned with a suspension of two to three games or for a period of up to one month," the relevant rule reads.
Barca is set to return to action on December 31 with a derby against Espanyol. Then the next games will be against Atletico Madrid and Getafe. If Lewandowski does misses these games, Dutchman Memphis Depay is likely to be the replacement.
With two goals in FIFA World Cup 2022, Lewandowski eclipsed Pele to mark himself in the ninth position in international goals. He now has 138 goals in 78 matches.
