Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi, could get a huge 12-match ban if the Spanish FA deem his red card offence against Athletic Bilbao to be “aggressive”.
Messi was sent off for the first time in his club career as his side were beaten in the Spanish Super Cup final.
The 33-year-old lashed out at Asier Villalibre’s head and was shown a straight red card.
Now he faces being suspended for anywhere between four and 12 matches, depending on the way the Spanish FA review the incident.
If the six-time Ballon d’Or winner is deemed to have acted in an aggressive manner then he could face the maximum time out of action.
Messi would miss a significant portion of the season if he’s hit with the maximum ban.
Currently, Barcelona are third in La Liga and need Messi firing on all cylinders if they are to catch Atletico Madrid at the top of the table.