Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez says he is surprised Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez’s suspension has been reduced, freeing him up to play in next weekend’s Clásico.
Nacho was sent off for a straight red card after a reckless challenge on Girona‘s Portu on Sept. 30 and was initially banned for three matches.
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However, that was cut to two games upon appeal this week, meaning Nacho, who has already served one game of the ban, will miss Saturday’s trip to Sevilla before returning to face Barça on Oct. 28.
“It’s a complete surprise,” Xavi said in a news conference on Friday when asked for his thoughts on the ruling.
“Last season, the three-game ban for [Robert] Lewandowski for touching his own nose was not reduced, so it was a big surprise to see the news Nacho’s was decreased to two games.”
