Espanyol criticise Lewandowski’s ‘unusual’ suspension relief ahead of Barcelona clash

Barcelona have long been preparing for the upcoming Espanyol without taking into consideration the availability of Robert Lewandowski.

The Polish international, after all, was given a three-match ban by RFEF shortly after Barcelona’s last league game against CA Osasuna. During the match, the forward had picked up two yellow cards, for which he was handed a one-match ban.

Later, the referees had claimed that Lewandowski put out a gesture that was insulting to them, after which the striker was handed a two-match ban by RFEF.

However, in a recent turn of events, Lewandowski’s three-match ban has been given a temporary halt by the Central Contentious Court of Madrid. And Barcelona have confirmed that the former Bayern Munich superstar will be available for the upcoming Espanyol game.

Upon hearing the decision, the Catalan outfit have filed a statement, labelling the decision to overturn Lewandowski’s ban an ‘injustice’.

“Espanyol finds it unusual that, 24 hours before the match against FC Barcelona, ​​and after ruling it out by different competent bodies (Competition, Appeal and CAS), a precautionary measure has been granted for a sanction previously imposed on the FC Barcelona player, Robert Lewandowski,” the statement read.

Shortly after Lewandowski was sanctioned, Barcelona had lodged an appeal against the decision, but it was thrashed by the RFEF Appeals Committee. They then took the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) but failed defeat there as well.

But it appears the Central Court of Madrid has given a precautionary injunction on the sanction imposed by CAS, meaning the player has been cleared to play against Espanyol and any other matches until a definitive decision on the appeal is made.

Espanyol argue that the decision is an injustice, as it comes just 24 hours before the two Catalans rivals face each other at Camp Nou.

“The requirements to justify the precautionary measure are not met. Specifically, the appearance of good law is especially indefensible, having two sanctions of different types, three unfavorable administrative resolutions and an arbitration act with a presumption of veracity that endorse the sanction.

“Likewise, it is speaks of irreparable damage to FC Barcelona without going into assessing the irreparable damage to its rivals and to the competition without giving any possibility of recourse,” the statement further read.

“It supposes a grievance and an injustice taking into account the precedents with other clubs,” it added. “Despite this injustice and this unprecedented decision in the competition, our team will compete 110% tomorrow to live up to the trust of our people.”

Lewandowski is the top goalscorer in La Liga this season, racking up 13 goals in 14 matches. While his return has left Espanyol in a state of bother, it is welcome news for Barcelona as they look to restart their campaign on a positive note.