Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has been issued a two-match ban for lashing out at Athletic Bilbao star Asier Villalibre in the Supercopa final.
It was suggested initially that the Argentine midfielder could face up to 12 games absence on the sidelines as a result of his actions.
However, the RFEF, which controls disciplinary matters in Spain, has ruled that the 33-year-old will not have to serve a lengthy suspension.
With seconds left to play in the match, Messi seemed to have punched Villalibre in the face when trying to make a run back to defend.
Barcelona are set to appeal the two-game suspension handed to their star player after the referee released his report for the game.
The referee stated: “Striking an opponent with his arm with excessive force while the ball was in play but not within a playable distance.”
Messi has never been sent off in his entire Barcelona career and the 33-year-old will have to wait longer to lift his first trophy as captain of the club.
His coach at Barcelona Ronald Koeman did move in defense of his skipper’s actions afterwards, saying: “I can understand what Messi did.
“I don’t know how many times they fouled him, and it’s normal to react when they keep trying to foul you as a player who is looking to dribble with the ball, but I need to see it again properly.”
