Barcelona manager Xavi suspended for two matches after red card vs Atletico

Following his red card in the 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid last Sunday, Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has been handed a two-match suspension by the Competitions Committee, confirms SPORT.

The 44-year-old tactician was sent off in the first half of the contest at the Civitas Metropolitano due to his antics and protests on the touchline against some of the referee’s decisions.

Having been booked initially, Xavi was given his marching orders minutes later after he continued to express his displeasure at some of the referee’s calls.

Explaining his decision to show Xavi a red card, referee Sanchez Martinez wrote in his official report: “Making observations of a technical nature to one of my decisions, shouting loudly, making inconsiderate gestures.”

There were concerns that Xavi could face a three-match suspension, which would lead to him missing the Clasico against Real Madrid next month, as he was a repeat offender.

But the Competitions Committee has handed him only a two-match ban, meaning the Barcelona boss will not be on the touchline for the games against Las Palmas and Cadiz.

In addition to the suspension, Xavi has also been fined €600 and the club will also have to pay €700 as a penalty.

As has been reported before, Barcelona plan on lodging an appeal to overturn the ban and it remains to be seen if it yields the desired result.

For now, though, there will be relief that the manager will not be serving a three-match suspension and will be available against Real Madrid.