Barcelona head coach Xavi to serve two-game ban after Atletico Madrid red card
Barcelona head coach Xavi will serve a two-match suspension after his red card against Atletico Madrid.
The former Spain international was sent off in the first-half of the 3-0 La Liga win at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Xavi was unhappy with the decision from referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez to not award a caution for a foul on Ilkay Gundogan and was booked for his protestations.
Moments later he was shown a second yellow card for objecting to a decision not to give a penalty to his side.
He will now not be on the touchline for La Liga games against Las Palmas on March 30 and Cadiz on April 13.
He will be eligible to return for the Clasico against Real Madrid on April 21.
Oscar Hernandez, Xavi’s assistant coach and older brother, took over for the remainder of Sunday’s game and will take charge of both games in Xavi’s absence.
The red card was a second of the season for Xavi after also being dismissed in the first game against Getafe.
Barcelona’s win over Atletico moved them second in La Liga ahead of the international break, eight points behind rivals Real Madrid.
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(Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
