Luis Suarez Criticises Ref as Luis Enrique Fears Javier Mascherano Clasico Ban

As if injuries at the Camp Nou haven't limited Barcelona's resources enough lately, star striker Luis Suarez has questioned a referee's decision to send Javier Mascherano off in Sunday's 3-1 win over Eibar.

Mascherano was shown a straight red card for showing dissent to the referee and could miss the El Clasico derby against Real Madrid on Nov. 21. The club released a statement via its official website on Monday, where vice-president Jordi Mestre is quoted defending his player and his intentions:

"We have not received the official sanction. But we have asked the player what happened and he says that it was no more than an act of frustration and that he never had any intention of insulting anyone. It is our legal and moral duty to present an appeal in order to defend the player.”

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The statement provides comments from director of professional sport Albert Soler, who expressed concern that “there is a difference between what he really said and what it says in the referee’s report.”

Suarez spoke to Spanish broadcaster Movistar+ after the result (via Madrid-based newspaper Marca): "I don't know what happened. We felt as if they were trying to interrupt our flow, and the referee wasn't dishing out any cards."

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The Argentina international was alleged to have uttered the phrase "la c--cha de tu madre" in earshot of the referee, which Spanish newspaper AS translates in English to mean "your mother's c--t."

However, manager Luis Enrique insisted what Mascherano said is a common phrase in his native land and was not aimed at referee Carlos del Cerro Grande in any case, via Sport.

"It would be bad news [to have Mascherano banned for four games]," Enrique said. "But it's up to them to judge what he said and to whom he said it. Mascherano said that what he said was to himself, not directed at the linesman. We should learn from this."

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Barca defender Gerard Pique was handed a four-match ban earlier this season after hurling abuse at an assistant, and one might think the Blaugrana player would learn to speak more politely around officials. 

It's understandable that tempers flare on the pitch, especially after Eibar racked up 18 fouls and five yellow cards on Sunday, but it's up to the players to ensure those frustrations don't boil over.

Mascherano's outburst was particularly regretful considering Barcelona were leading Eibar 2-1 in the 82nd minute at the time of the incident, with Suarez going on to complete his hat-trick moments later.

ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan suggested the reigning Spanish champions may launch an appeal against the decision based on freedom of speech:

Should Mascherano's punishment match that of team-mate Pique, he'll sit out Wednesday's Copa del Rey fixture against Villanovense as well as the upcoming league games against Getafe, Villarreal and Real Madrid.

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Andres Iniesta and Rafinha are already missing through injury in midfield, while Marc Bartra started alongside Pique in defence on Sunday, with Jeremy Mathieu and Thomas Vermaelen as backups.

If previous cases are used as markers, the 31-year-old will be missing until Barca face Real Sociedad on Nov. 29, with Enrique scrambling to find replacement options in the meantime.