FC Barcelona will have to do without Robert Lewandowski for the next three games. The striker was sent off in the league game against CA Osasuna. The Spanish Sports Court (TAD) rejected Barça's appeal against the three-game ban.

Robert Lewandowski (34) suffered a setback shortly before the start of the World Cup in Qatar: In the last league game against CA Osasuna (1-2) on November 8th, he saw a yellow-red card after half an hour. It was the first dismissal in more than nine and a half years. The Spanish arbitration court punished the offense with a suspension of three games. FC Barcelona lodged a protest against the decision - without success.

As it became known on Saturday, the Spanish sports court, Tribunal Administrativo del Deporte (TAD), decided to reject the Catalans' appeal. The suspension of three games remains in place.

The fact that Lewandowski was suspended for a total of three games for the yellow-red card - instead of the usual suspension for one game - is due to his behavior after the dismissal. When leaving the field, the top scorer put his index finger to his nose and pointed to referee Gil Manzano. The arbitral tribunal interpreted the gesture as "disapproval of the arbitrator's decision".

For FC Barcelona, ​​the season continues on December 31st without the world footballer. Then comes the derby against RCD Espanyol. Two away games at Atlético Madrid (January 8) and Betis Sevilla (January 14) follow. On January 22, Lewandowski is allowed to return for the home game against Getafe FC.

This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as Decision: Long Lewandowski ban remains in place.