Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski‘s three-game suspension has been upheld, meaning he will miss Sunday’s LaLiga clash against Atletico Madrid.
Lewandowski, 34, was sent off against Osasuna in November and received a one-game ban for the dismissal and a further two matches for a gesture he made as he left the pitch.
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Barca appealed the sanction, and it was temporarily placed on hold pending resolution by a court in Madrid last Friday, allowing Lewandowski to play against Espanyol on Dec. 31 in what was the side’s first game after the World Cup break.
However, Spain’s Administrative Sports Court (TAD) ratified the suspension on Wednesday following several days of confusion and complaints from all parties involved.
A source at Barcelona told ESPN they will “respect the decision” and not take their appeal any further, given the option to pursue the matter in the ordinary courts, but stated their disappointment at what they consider an “excessive” ban.
Lewandowski will sit out Sunday’s game at Atletico and LaLiga fixtures against Getafe and Girona later in January.
However, the Polish striker will be available for the Spanish Supercopa semifinal against Real Betis in Saudi Arabia next week.
