Following Robert Lewandowski’s participation in the Catalan derby, Barcelona’s rivals Espanyol have launched a formal complaint.
Lewandowski received a three-game suspension after getting sent off against Osasuna prior to the World Cup break.
The Poland captain received the additional two-game punishment for making a gesture toward referees.
However, with Barcelona still appealing the decision, 24 hours before the clash Lewandowski was granted a special reprieve which meant he was able to play in the New Year’s Eve clash.
Espanyol fumed beforehand and issued a statement on the matter. However, after the 1-1 draw, they have called the decision to let Lewandowski play a “flagrant injustice” and complained to the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
A statement on their website read: “RCD Espanyol has filed a complaint with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to challenge the match against FC Barcelona, corresponding to the 15th LaLiga, for improper alignment.
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“Before the start of the match, the club notified in good faith both the referee of the match, Mr. Mateu Lahoz, and the RFEF itself about the presence in the rival eleven of footballer Robert Lewandowski, who had to serve a sanction after being sent off for a double yellow in the previous day of the national championship.
“RCD Espanyol, as announced on the eve of the match, will use all the resources at its disposal to defend its interests and that of our fans, aware that this flagrant injustice puts the essence of our competition at risk and that this injustice is based on a hasty resolution and with obvious legal deficiencies.”
A Madrid court temporarily lifted the suspension for Lewandowski, who played the full 90 minutes.
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