Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has been given a four-game ban after he was sent off in the Supercopa de Espana second leg.
The RFEF on Wednesday confirmed the punishment for the centre-back, who admitted to using a profane phrase but denied it was aimed at the assistant referee.
Pique’s outburst came after the official didn’t flag Artiz Aduriz offside during the 1-1 draw.
Barca appealed the red card but the RFEF dismissed their protest, confirming their belief that Pique did aim his insult at an official.
The RFEF’s release on the matter reveals Barca claimed Pique used a ‘very typical Catalan expression’ to express his anger.
Dismissing the explanation as a ‘smokescreen,’ the RFEF’s decision sees Pique miss Barca’s next four games.
He will sit out the League opener – against Athletic Bilbao – as well as the following three matches, at home to Malaga, away at Atletico Madrid and at home to Levante.
