Javier Mascherano spoke to the media ahead of Barcelona’s important clash with Juventus in the Champions League. The topic of Neymar’s possible three-match ban came up, with the Argentine leaping to the Brazilian’s defense.
In the Albiceleste ace’s opinion, the extended punishment facing the 25-year-old attacker is harsh. Mascherano argued that many players before were banned for a single game for actions similar to Neymar’s.
The Brazilian was sent of in the Blaugrana’s most recent game – a shock 2-0 loss to Malaga in the league. As he was leaving the pitch, the attacker mocked the fourth official by applauding him, landing Neymar in the referee’s report after the game.
As a result, the player’s initial one-game ban for seeing red could be extended to three games. This could be a huge blow for the Catalan giants, as their next game after their Real Sociedad clash is El Clasico.
“We'll have to wait and see what happens with Neymar," said Mascherano (as per Marca).
"Other players have done the same as him and they've only been suspended for one game."
Mascherano also stressed that no one holds Neymar responsible for the defeat whilst also claiming that the sending off is a lesson for the Selecao ace.
"It's very easy to talk while sitting on the sofa, but it's very difficult to take decisions when your heart is racing.
"Sometimes we make mistakes and it has happened with me on more than one occasion.
"He can learn from this mistake.”
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