According to Isaac Fouto of COPE, Barcelona have failed in their attempt to overturn the three-match suspension handed to superstar striker Robert Lewandowski.
The 34-year-old was hit with a three-match ban following his sending-off in the Catalans’ final match before the World Cup break against CA Osasuna.
Lewandowski was shown two yellow cards within the first half-hour of the contest resulting in him being given his marching orders.
On his way out, the Poland captain was seen making gestures with his hand, which the referee interpreted as a misdemeanour towards him and the fourth official, even though the striker clarified later that he was interacting with manager Xavi Hernandez.
Nevertheless, Lewandowski was hit with a three-match ban – one for his sending-off and two because of his gesture which was deemed offensive by the La Liga Competitions Committee
The decision was slammed by Lewandowski, Xavi and Barcelona president Joan Laporta, with the club immediately appealing the call.
The Blaugrana had submitted an appeal to overturn the first of his two yellow cards as well as against the two-match ban due to the gestures.
However, as per the latest reports, the Catalan club’s appeal has been dismissed by the RFEF Appeals Committee. As a result, Lewandowski’s three-match ban will remain intact.
It means that the 34-year-old, whose Poland side was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup yesterday, will be unavailable for Barcelona’s derby against RCD Espanyol while also missing crucial fixtures against Atletico Madrid and Getafe.
The Blaugrana will assess whether to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport as a last resort to reduce the sanction.
Lewandowski has been Barça’s best player this season and has been crucial to their rise to the top of the La Liga standings. With 13 goals in 14 league outings, he is leading the goalscoring charts in the division. His absence for three matches will come as a major blow for Xavi & co. when the season resumes.