NEYMAR WILL NOT play for Barcelona in el Clasico against Real Madrid later this evening (7.45pm) as the Catalans were forced to admit defeat in their fight against his suspension.
The Brazilian is in the midst of a three-game suspension for his red card and subsequent sarcastic applause of the officials in Barca’s 2-0 defeat to Malaga two weeks ago.
Barca’s appeal to Spain’s Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAD) wasn’t placed until after the court’s normal meeting time on Friday. The club had argued that until a ruling on the appeal was held, Neymar’s ban should be suspended and therefore allow him to feature for the potentially title-defining trip to the Bernabeu.
Barcelona would be taking an enormous risk by playing Neymar as they could be sanctioned with defeat for fielding an ineligible player.
And while the club said on Saturday that Neymar would travel to Madrid, they issued a statement on Sunday morning to confirm that he would not be a part of the squad.
Barca boss Luis Enrique believes his last Clasico in charge is a must-win for the reigning La Liga champions.
Madrid hold a three-point lead at the top with a game in hand on their rivals as they close in on a first La Liga title in five years.
“Given how close it is to the end of the season it is a decisive weekend,” said Enrique.
“This time a Clasico can decide or almost decide the league or leave it very open. For us it is like a final, only a win will do.”
Madrid could be boosted by the return of Gareth Bale from injury, but the fact the Welshman may not be risked is a further sign that Real have far more room for error.
Bale has been sidelined by an inflammation of the muscles around where he suffered ligament damage in his right ankle that kept him out for three months earlier in the season.
“He will be with us on Sunday,” said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.
“You will see tomorrow what team we are going to start with.”
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It’s good to see somebody standing up for refs in Spain. The way Spanish professional teams treat referees, I can only imagine what it’s like at amateur level in the country.
Typical. Real Madrid the King’s club get it all their own way. Come on Barca.
What will they do??
@Ciarán: pay the ref like they normally do
@el viento: is it Real or Barca you’re talking about?
@Séamus Ó Lochlainn: the clue is in the article Séamus
@el viento: the irony is in the question el viento.