MADRID ( Associated Press) — Espanyol contested Monday’s game against Barcelona against Spanish officials, arguing that striker Robert Lewandowski was ineligible to play because of suspension.
The teams played out a 1-1 draw in La Liga on Saturday. Espanyol played under protest as Lewandowski appeared in Barcelona’s previous league game after being sent off.
A Madrid court on Friday ruled that the league’s leading scorer Lewandowski was allowed to play, until an administrative court in Spain appeals against a three-game suspension filed by Barcelona for consecutive yellow cards in the duel against Osasuna. Appeal not decided. 8.
Espanyol blamed the damage on the unexpected decision of the Madrid court to temporarily lift the suspension. Lewandowski assisted Barcelona’s Marcos Alonso after seven minutes at the Camp Nou. The goal helped Barcelona continue without losing to Espanyol since 2009.
“RCD Espanyol will use all the resources at its disposal to protect its interests and those of our fans, aware that this gross injustice threatens the essence of our competition and that this injustice deserves a hasty resolution and clear legal loopholes.” The club said in a statement on Monday.
The team said it informed the refereeing body ahead of Saturday’s game of Lewandowski’s disqualification.
Lewandowski could still be suspended by the administrative court if it decides against Barcelona’s appeal.
The Polish striker was suspended for one match after being sent off for his second yellow card in Barcelona’s 2-1 win against Osasuna and a fine for what the Spanish federation’s competition committee deemed a “show of disrespect”. and two pairs. to the referee after his ejection.
Referee Gil Manzano wrote in his match report that Lewandowski pointed his nose twice before jabbing his thumb at the referee, which Manzano described as disrespectful.
Barcelona, tied on points with Real Madrid at the top of the standings after 15 matches, visit Atlético Madrid, who are in fourth place. They have a Copa del Rey match on Wednesday.
