Javier Mascherano returns from ban in time for Real Madrid

Sport360 staff 03:46 29/10/2015
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Javier Mascherano was sent off for abusing an official.

    Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano will be available for next month's La Liga match at Real Madrid after being handed a two-match ban for dissent.

    – INTERVIEW: FIFA candidate Champagne is in it to win it
    – Asia Angle: Ahli’s rivals should be getting behind them

    Mascherano was shown a red card in Barca's 3-1 home win over Eibar on Sunday for shouting an Argentinian expression to the assistant referee.

    Barca had feared losing the Argentina international for four games but the competition committee of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) did not consider Mascherano's remark an insult to the linesman.

    A statement from the RFEF said: "The expression used by the player constitutes an action of despise and inconsideration towards the referee which breaches articles 117 of the Code of conduct of the RFEF."

    Barca will not appeal against the punishment and Mascherano, who has made eight league starts for the Blaugrana, will miss the La Liga games against Getafe and Villarreal.

    However, the 31-year-old will return in time for the first El Clasico of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on November 21.

    Barcelona are second in the standings, level on 21 points with league leaders Real Madrid after nine games played.

    Recommended