Barcelona winger could be suspended for 2-3 games after Getafe red card – report

Barcelona manager Xavi and 26-year-old forward Raphinha are both facing a two-match ban after being sent off in their side’s 0-0 draw against Getafe in the La Liga opener. 

Barcelona experienced a frustrating night on Sunday as several refereeing decisions went against them. Xavi, in particular, was quite vocal about his thoughts both on and off the field.

Raphinha could be out for 2-3 games

As for Raphinha, the former Leeds United winger was sent off for elbowing Gaston Alvarez in the head while being off the ball. According to Mundo Deportivo, the 26-year-old will lose a minimum of two games as a result of the sending-off.

The incident involving Raphinha and Alvarez took place in the 46th minute. Interestingly enough, the two were nowhere near the ball and according to Article 120, the Brazilian is exposed to a minimum punishment of two games: 

“In those cases in which the expulsion from the field of play is due to situations in which the footballer would not have had the possibility of playing the ball, the suspension will be for at least two games,” reads a statement from the regulation. 

Furthermore, according to Article 130, the suspension could extend to three matches regarding violence in the game when “the ball is not in play, not being able to challenge for the ball, this sanction could amount to 3 games.”

What about Xavi?

Xavi’s sending-off was a result of a direct protest. From the minutes of the match report from the referee, the Barcelona coach was given the marching orders because of the following; 

“Leaving his technical area with his arms raised towards the zone of the 4th referee, ostensibly protesting one of my decisions, having been warned previously by the 4th referee. 

“Once expelled, he stayed at the mouth of the changing room tunnel, having to be warned by the field delegate to evict him.”

Xavi’s situation comes under Article 127, which states that in the case of the aforementioned, a simple two-match ban is in the order.