Kylian Mbappe will be available to face Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final after the French forward was issued a one-match ban for a red card tackle on Antonio Blanco.
The decision made by La Liga has been labelled a “disgrace” by Barcelona’s vice-president.
Mbappe was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Alaves midfielder Blanco. While it was predicted he will miss at least three matches, the Spanish Football Federation’s (RFEF) Disciplinary Committee handed down only a one-match ban.
The former PSG forward will only sit out Madrid’s upcoming league fixture against Athletic Club. He will be eligible for the much-anticipated Copa del Rey final against Barcelona.
Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste has now claimed that the punishment did not reflect the seriousness of the offence.
Speaking to reporters, he said: “The tackle and the sanction is absolutely absurd. It was chilling and could have injured the opponent. It’s a disgrace.”
Barcelona and Real Madrid have been engaged in various war of words during this season and this might be case until the final match of the season.
Both teams have already faced off twice in the current campaign, with the Blaugrana triumphing on both occasions, once in the league and again in the Spanish Super Cup. However, the intensity is set to escalate further as the two clubs are scheduled to meet again twice before the season concludes.
The Copa del Rey final will set the stage for a new rivalry and that showdown will be followed by another high-profile league meeting, with both matches likely to have significant implications.
