Four-game ban for Pique, while Pedro looks set to join Chelsea

The Disciplinary Committee of the Spanish Football Federation on Wednesday handed FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique a four-game ban for his sending off against Athletic Club Bilbao in the return leg of the Spanish Supercup on Monday night.

Pique, who saw red in the 55th minute of the game, which ended in a 1-1 draw allowing Athletic to win the first title of the new season 5-1 on aggregate, had sworn at a linesman for (correctly) not giving an offside position.

He shouted from the Barca penalty area and then ran over to remonstrate with the official, an act the Committee considered had seen him break rule 94 of the disciplinary code which deals with players who: "insult, offend or direct himself in terms which were insulting to the main referee, assistant referees, the fourth official or directors or sporting authorities."

This offense carries a ban of between four and 12 matches, so in some respects Pique can be said to have been given the lightest possible sanction.

He will now miss the first four matches of the BBVA Primera Liga season, which are against Malaga, Atletico Madrid, Levante and Athletic Club, who Barca must face again in the opening match of the season on Sunday afternoon.

Pique' s suspension is not the only Barcelona story making headlines on Wednesday with the news that forward Pedro Rodriguez is on the verge of signing for Chelsea.

Pedro had looked to be heading to Manchester United and the English club were confident they had agreed a deal after Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward travelled to Barcelona to negotiate the deal.

However, they appear to have had second thoughts on the matter allowing Chelsea to move in and pay Pedro' s release clause of around 30 million US dollars. He is expected in London late on Wednesday for a medical and to sign his contract. Endi