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| Javier Mascherano |
Mascherano was dismissed in the 83rd minute of the 3-1
victory at the Nou Camp and the Argentina international, who mainly plays as a
centreback but can also operate in midfield, could face a ban of up to four
matches if the appeal is unsuccessful.
That would mean he will be unavailable for some key games in
Spain's top flight, including the first of the season's two 'Clasicos', to be
played at Real Madrid on November 21, and the match at home to Villarreal on
November 8.
Referee Carlos Del Cerro Grande wrote in his match report he
had sent Mascherano off for directing an insult, common in Argentina, towards
the match official.
Barca's appeal, confirmed at a news conference by
vice-president Jordi Mestre, could hinge on whether they can prove Mascherano made
the comment in passing and did not direct it towards the assistant referee.
They lost an appeal against a similar punishment given to
defender Gerard Pique after he insulted a linesman in a Spanish Super Cup match
in August and he was banned for four games.
Barca's victory against Eibar put them level on 21 points at
the top with Real after nine matches as they chase a sixth La Liga title in
eight years.
source.supersport.com
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