Barcelona claim that the suspension of Brazil international forward Neymar has been influenced by the media exerting pressure on the club ahead of the El Clasico against Real Madrid.

The 25-year-old was initially handed a one match ban after being sent off in the 2-0 league loss against Real Malaga. However, the Brazilian’s ban was tripled by the Spanish FA’s Competition Committee when he reportedly showed dissent to a fourth official after being sent off in the 2-0 league loss against Real Malaga.

As a result, Neymar will miss Luis Enrique’s side’s upcoming fixtures against Real Sociedad, Real Madrid and Osasuna respectively. The La Liga giants have expressed their disappointment at the ruling when they released a statement through the Spanish FA.

‘Concern was expressed at the clear and unacceptable pressure from some parts of the media, which sought to prevent the Competition Committee from reasonably resolving the matter, given that there was a clear public interest in the player missing the upcoming Clasico,’ the statement read.

However, the independent body responsible for the ruling hit back at the Blaugrana’s claims, saying that the Spanish outfit did not provide enough information in their attempts to clear Neymar of any wrong-doing.

‘This Competition Committee wants to make clear its complete independence with respect to what any media outlet campaigns for, or does not campaign for.

‘The Committee’s decision is only based on its evaluation of all the relevant circumstances.

‘Barcelona did not provide any evidence, video evidence or otherwise, to support their version of events,’ the Competition Committee said.

Image: EPA/Jorge Zapata

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