Barcelona striker’s one-match suspension upheld by the Appeals Committee, will miss Granada clash

In a blow for Barcelona, their appeal to overturn the one-match suspension imposed on Vitor Roque has been rejected by the Appeals Committee, reports Mundo Deportivo.

The 18-year-old striker had a whirlwind 15 minutes or so during Barça’s last game against Deportivo Alaves.

Soon after coming on as a substitute, the teenage striker scored to make it 3-1 for Barcelona, but was soon booked for an elbow in the face of an opposition player.

Minutes later, Roque was shown a second yellow card and sent off by referee Martinez Munuera for an alleged foul on Rafa Marin, even though it appeared like the striker had just brushed the defender’s leg and was reacting to avoid a potential injury.

Barça initially appealed the decision with the Competitions Committee, but it was rejected earlier this week, forcing the club to take the matter to the Appeals Committee.

But the Catalans have once again met with disappointment as their latest appeal has also been shot down, meaning Roque is suspended for one game and will miss this weekend’s clash against Granada in La Liga.

This comes as a blow for Barcelona who are struggling with injuries in the attacking department.

Indeed, the Blaugrana are already without Ferran Torres and Joao Felix, both of whom are sidelined with injuries. Young Marc Guiu is also dealing with some discomfort, although there is hope he will recover in time for the Granada clash.

But the situation now leaves Xavi with Robert Lewandowski as the only senior centre-forward heading into Sunday night’s match.