Isco Given 2-Match Ban for Kicking Neymar: Latest Details and Reaction

Real Madrid midfielder Isco has been slapped with a two-match ban after he was sent off for kicking Neymar in Los Blancos’ 4-0 humbling at the hands of bitter rivals Barcelona last weekend.

As reported by Nerea Gimenez of Sport, the RFEF competition committee have handed the 23-year-old the punishment, meaning he will miss upcoming matches against Eibar on Sunday and local rivals Getafe on Dec. 5. It’s noted in the piece that referee Fernandez Borbalan dismissed Isco for “a kick on an opponent with excessive force.”

Here's a look at the incident in question, shared by SocialRMadrid:

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GIF: Isco & Neymar. #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/Js7acGiCLo

— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) November 22, 2015"

With the game over as a contest, the intricate midfielder let frustration get the better of him, lashing out at the Blaugrana star in the 84th minute of the match. Isco aimed a rash kick at Neymar's knee, leaving the attacker sprawling and prompting a decisive reaction from the official.

PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/Getty Images

As noted by Spanish football tweeter Sergi Dominguez, while the action was out of character for the attacker, it was a reckless challenge:

Isco’s absence will be a blow to Real Madrid as they seek to reduce the six-point deficit to Barcelona in the wake of the remarkable result at the Santiago Bernabeu. The former Malaga man is a superb technician and capable of operating in a variety of different roles in this Blancos team, meaning he can be used in many different match scenarios.

JAVIER SORIANO/Getty Images

Manager Rafael Benitez is well stocked when it comes to attacking options, though, with James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale each capable of thriving in the spot just off the centre-forward. As such, Eibar, although they’re enjoying a strong campaign, and Getafe shouldn’t pose too many issues for the capital club.