Javier Mascherano Handed 2-Game Ban, Cleared to Play for Barcelona in El Clasico

Barcelona’s star defender Javier Mascherano has been handed a two-game ban following his sending off against Eibar last weekend, meaning he will be free to play in the Blaugrana’s clash with Real Madrid on Nov. 21.

News of the sanction was confirmed on the club’s official website, in which it’s noted the Argentina international will miss games with Getafe and Villarreal. “He told us that it was more an act of frustration and that he never meant to insult anyone” vice-president Jordi Mestre stated in the piece.

Mascherano was dismissed with around 10 minutes to go against Eibar. According to Marca, the reason for his sending off was dissent, after the 31-year-old used insulting language towards a match official. 

Richard Martin, a freelance Spanish football writer, outlined what Mascherano reportedly said during the match, *warning, expletive language used*:

Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC reported that since the incident there has been debate between sections of the Madrid and Catalan media regarding what was said. 

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

He wrote that those associated with Barcelona have claimed Mascherano didn’t direct the insults at anyone specifically and the Spanish football association has decided the comments were “belittling” of the match official rather than insulting. As Corrigan wrote, the former Liverpool player could have potentially been banned for four matches.

Having Mascherano available will be a massive boost for Barcelona in what’s set to be a vital Clasico. After nine matches, Real Madrid lead the La Liga table from their great rivals on goal difference. Barcelona being without the Argentinian’s tenacity at the back, Los Blancos would have been much more confident of getting a result at the Santiago Bernabeu.