‘Masche missing Clasico would hurt’

LFP President Javier Tebas has admitted that “it would hurt me” if Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano was banned for next month’s Clasico.

The Argentine risks missing the trip to Real Madrid on November 22 for dissenting in the direction of a linesman during La Blaugrana’s 3-1 win against Eibar on Sunday, and the League chief hinted his support for the player due to differing interpretations of the insult used.

“If I were in Argentina, I’d treat [Masche’s insult] differently. It’s not a serious insult in Spain,” he was quoted as saying by AS.

“It would hurt me if Mascherano or any other player couldn’t play in the Clasico, but I didn’t hear what was said.

“Either way, referees must always record any instances of disrespect.”

However, Tebas was blunter on the topic of Barca being fined by UEFA for their fans’ use of the estelada flag in the Champions League, adding: “The presence of politics at stadia must be eliminated.

“The Estelada is a political demonstration and UEFA followed its rules [by punishing them]. I think it’s a fair punishment.”

Tags Clasico Javier Mascherano Javier Tebas LFP
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