ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI has been slapped with a three-match ban just one day after being knocked out of the World Cup.
The striker was in action for Poland as they were beaten 3-1 by France in the round of 16.
ReutersRobert Lewandowski protests to referee Jesus Gil Manzano[/caption]
ReutersThe Pole was shown a second yellow card for this challenge on David Garcia[/caption]
Lewandowski, 34, grabbed his second goal of the tournament with virtually the last kick of the game – beating Hugo Lloris at the second attempt with a retaken penalty.
The goal will be his last action on a football pitch for a while, after he was handed a three-match ban by LaLiga.
The former Bayern Munich star was red carded during a 2-1 victory over Osasuna in his final club match before the World Cup.
Lewandowski was given his marching orders with just half an hour on the clock, receiving a second yellow for clattering into defender David Garcia.
As he departed the field of play he touched his chin – a gesture interpreted to have been derogatory towards the referee, Jesus Gil Manzano.
The Pole subsequently denied this, however, instead claiming it had been directed at his manager, Xavi.
He said: “If you ask me about that gesture, it’s a bit funny because last week I was talking with Xavi, with the coach, and we talked that if these things happened in the future, if I saw a yellow card I had to be careful, because I could go out.
“After that the gesture was for Xavi, not for the referee.”
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LaLiga haven’t bought Lewandowski’s explanation, however, and have slapped an extra two games onto his initial one-match ban after turning down an appeal.
Not willing to accept the outcome, it’s claimed by Marca that Barca could take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
As it stands, Lewandowski is set to miss his side’s Catalan derby clash with Espanyol, as well as subsequent games against Atletico Madrid and Getafe.
Barcelona could turn to forward Memphis Depay in their regular No9’s absence, with the Dutchman having returned to action at the World Cup following a two-month injury lay-off.
Depay, 28, has played just 131 minutes of action for his club this season.
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