Robert Lewandowski Cleared to Play for Barcelona After Ban Suspended

Robert Lewandowski Cleared to Play for Barcelona After Ban Suspended

Chukwu Ikechukwu
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:21 PM
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  • Robert Lewandowski has been cleared to face Espanyol on Saturday after his three-match ban was temporarily lifted by La Liga
  • The 34-year-old was initially suspended for a gesture which was deemed to question the integrity of the official in Barcelona's 2-1 win over Osasuna
  • Lewandowski is Barcelona’s top scorer this season and leads the ranking for the highest goals scored in La Liga with 12 goals

Barcelona will have Robert Lewandowski available for selection in this weekend’s La Liga tie against Espanyol after the ban on the Poland international was temporarily suspended.

The 34-year-old had been given a 3-match ban by the Spanish league body following his gesture towards match officials when Barcelona won 2-1 against Osasuna prior to the World Cup.

Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona, La Liga, Spain, Camp Nou, Catalan giants, Espanyol
Robert Lewandowski is the leading goal scorer in La Liga with 12 goals scored so far this season. Photo by Pau Barrena
Source: Getty Images

According to 90MIN, Lewandowski has now been included in Barcelona’s matchday squad by Xavi after the Catalan club took the issue to the court of disputes in Madrid and have since been granted a temporary removal of the ban.

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The Poland international suspension is still under investigation but, while that process is ongoing, the Lewandowski is free to continue playing for Barcelona.

Lewandowski will hope to add to his tally of 12 goals already scored in La Liga as Barcelona hope to secure another win that solidifies their spot on top of the league.

Xavi delighted to have Lewandowski back

Meanwhile, Barcelona manager, Xavi has revealed he is happy to have Robert Lewandowski available for the club’s game against Espanyol, Marca reports.

Xavi however expressed his unease that an official decision to suspend Lewandowski’s ban hasn't come sooner.

Barcelona were informed just one day before the game against Espanyol that a Spanish court suspended the 34-year-old’s sanction as the club await the three-game ban appeal decision.

Barcelona accuse La Liga of playing politics

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Barcelona are aggrieved with the La Liga hierarchy following the football body’s decision to reject the appeal from the Catalan club, regarding the 3-match ban imposed on Robert Lewandowski.

The 34-year-old got into trouble with the league body and was suspended for three games, over gestures made towards ref Jesus Gil Manzano following his send-off in victory over Osasuna.

Barcelona are now accusing La Liga of 'playing politics as Lewandowski and the club claim the gesture was wrongly interpreted and believe politics influenced the ruling.

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Chukwu Ikechukwu
Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a journalist with over 9 years of experience in the Nigerian media industry. He has worked both in Radio (Today FM, Rhythm FM, Wish FM) and Television (Silverbird TV) as a Sports Analyst..
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