FC Barcelona: Is Gerard Pique's Red Card Justified?

Gerard Pique was suspended one match by the Spanish World Football Association (RFEF). The reason was Pique received a red card during Barca's match against Sporting Gijon.

La Blaugrana attempted to appeal the ban before the RFEF Disciplinary Committee without success. The RFEF ruled that Pique was attempting to block an opponent from scoring.

The result of the loss of the appeal is that the one-match ban remains. FC Barcelona received a fine of $118, Pique was punished with $788.

While the matter appears to be closed, Sport.es reported that the referree Velasco Carballo told him to "shut up or receive a red card." Pique later siad that Velasco had threatened him with expulsion before the actual punishment. 

This was in response to Pique protesting a decision which was perceived as an injustice towards Keita. It appears that Velasco Carballo may have overextended himself in punishing Pique and FC Barcelona during the match against Sporting Gijon.

It remains to be seen whether this case will be pursued or left alone.