Barca defender Roberto hit with four-game ban after Clasico red

MADRID, May 9 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona defender Sergi Roberto has been hit by a four-game ban by the Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary committee for the red card he saw in Sunday's 'Clasico' against Real Madrid.

The defender was sent off just before halftime following an incident with Real Madrid left back Marcelo.

After having his shirt slightly pulled by Marcelo, Sergi Roberto appeared to lash out with his arm and Marcelo crashed to the floor holding his face. Referee Hernandez Hernandez, whose handling of the game received almost universal criticism, showed Roberto a direct red card.

Slow motion TV replays later showed that although the defender had indeed used his arm against Marcelo, rather than hit him in the face, he in fact made contact with his back. However, the disciplinary committee considered Roberto had used "excessive force" when "the ball was not at a distance to be played."

The decision means Roberto will miss the last three games of the current season (against Villarreal, Levante and Real Sociedad), where Barcelona have already won the League and Cup double, and the first game of next season, as well as having to pay a fine of 3,500 euros.

Barcelona have confirmed they will appeal against the decision in an attempt to get it reduced. Enditem