Xavi Receives Suspension Ahead of El Classico Clash

Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez has learned his fate after he received a red card during the Catalan side’s 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid.

SPORT has announced [via @Barca_Buzz on X] that Xavi has been handed a two-match suspension by the Competitions Committee. In the first half of the encounter at the Wanda Metropolitano, the 44-year-old strategist was sent off for his antics and concerns over some of the referee’s decisions on the touchline. A few minutes after being initially booked, Xavi was sent off for persistently expressing his displeasure of many calls made by the referee.

READ ALSO: Xavi To Miss El Classico As Barca Boss Face Extended Ban

Since Xavi had committed the same offence twice, there were concerns that he may receive a three-match suspension, which would have kept him out of the Real Madrid-Club encounter in April. But since his punishment was limited to two games, he can still be in the dugout for that game, which will be his final one as Barcelona’s manager versus Madrid. In addition, the club must pay a penalty of €700 (£600/$764) and Xavi has been fined €600 (£514/$655).

In his three years as Barcelona’s manager, Xavi has received 24 yellow cards in La Liga, one yellow card every 5.5 league games, according to Barca Noticias. During his 928-match career as a player, he was given a yellow card almost every 13 games, a far lower percentage than other players.

The World Cup-winning midfielder will miss the Catalan team’s away games against Las Palmas at Montjuic and Cadiz due to his most recent suspension. He will then return to the touchline for the Clasico against Real Madrid on April 21. But before then, on April 10, he will be in charge of Barca’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg against Paris Saint-Germain in the dugout in Europe.