Javier Mascherano handed two-game ban for linesman outburst

Wednesday 28 October 2015 16:32, UK

Javier Mascherano has received a two-match suspension following his red card in Barcelona's La Liga clash with Eibar on Sunday, during which he verbally abused a linesman, the Spanish football federation have confirmed.

Barca were worried the Argentina international would miss El Clasico against Real Madrid on November 21 if he had been handed a four-match ban.

Referee Carlos Del Cerro Grande said Mascherano was dismissed for directing an insult, common in Argentina, towards the linesman but Barca appealed saying it was said in passing.

The suspension means the defender will miss Barcelona's league matches against Getafe and Villarreal.

Barca have suffered a series of injuries to key players including Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Rafinha, and an extended ban to Mascherano would have left their already stretched squad exposed.

Luis Enrique's squad has also been hampered by the club's inability to bring in players over the last two transfer windows due to a FIFA-imposed transfer ban, following the illegal signing of minors.

Despite this, last season's La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey winners are joint leaders of the Primera Division alongside Real Madrid on 21 points from nine games following their 3-1 win over Eibar and top their Champions League group.