Barcelona’s foul-mouthed Gerard Pique to discover his fate after rant

Andy West 09:41 19/08/2015
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  • Seeing red: Gerard Pique (l) is facing a ban after insulting a linesman.

    Gerard Pique’s suspension following his red card in the Spanish Super Cup could be determined today.

    The Barcelona central defender, who returned to his very best form during his team’s treble-winning campaign last season, was dismissed after delivering a vulgar verbal tirade to the linesman during the 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao, which saw the Basque club lift the trophy.

    The disciplinary committee to decide the length of the ban is scheduled to meet today, with Pique set to miss anything between a lenient two and a draconian 12 La Liga games.

    Barca will be desperately hoping that the verdict is generous in their favour, because their third league game of the season, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, is a highly dangerous outing to Atletico Madrid.

    Before then, Pique will miss this weekend’s opener against Super Cup opponents Athletic Bilbao, followed by their Nou Camp bow against Malaga.

    In a very worst-case scenario, Pique could even be suspended for the first Clasico of the season: Barca’s trip to Real Madrid on the weekend of 21/22 November is their 12th league outing of the campaign.

    The defender has received support from team-mate Ivan Rakitic, who said: “If that was a sending-off, there would be seven or eight in every game. I didn’t think it was anything special.”

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    Rakitic also admitted that Pique will be a big loss as the reigning champions begin their title 
    defence, adding: “He is a very important player for us and we are worried about the suspension they might give him.

    “But we have a squad of 25 players who work hard every day.”

    That squad could soon be reduced in number, however, with Pedro’s potential move to Manchester United or Manchester City entering a crucial phase.

    United are in the driving seat for the winger, who is considering quitting the Nou Camp after becoming frustrated at his lack of playing 
    opportunities since the signing of Luis Suarez.

    But Pedro is putting pressure on the Old Trafford club to complete the move, with the possibility of a switch to City unless United seal the deal by the end of the week.

    United’s chief-executive Ed Woodward has flown over to Barcelona in attempt to finalise the transfer, and was reportedly in the city before the Super Cup 

    second-leg. 

    Barca coach Luis Enrique, for one, is desperate for the long-running saga to be resolved.

    “It’s a difficult situation, it’s hard to be focused,” Enrique said after the 1-1 draw with Bilbao. 

    I am just hoping that this damned transfer window closes once and for all to know which players I can count on. But Pedro gave his all.”

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