Featured Image Credit: Twitter/La Liga
Topics: Gerard Pique, Spain, Football World Cup
Jack Kenmare
Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski could receive a three-match ban for his reaction to being sent off during the club's La Liga clash against Osasuna.
In the 31st minute of Tuesday night's game at the Estadio El Sadar, a furious Lewandowski was given his marching orders by referee Jesus Gil Manzano for a reckless flying elbow on David Garcia.
The Poland international, who was handed a yellow for an earlier challenge on Ignacio Vidal, attempted to protest his innocence but replays show he wasn't even looking at the ball when he barged into Garcia.
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You can see the incident in full below. Did he deserve a red?
Lewandowski certainly didn't think he deserved to be sent for an early bath.
In the aftermath of Manzano's decision, the former Bayern Munich forward touched the tip of his nose with his index finger before heading down the tunnel.
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Reports in Spain suggest it was gesture that in Poland 'alludes to the bravado or arrogance' of how the referee addressed him.
And according to Spanish publication COPE, Lewandowski could receive a three-match ban for his actions.
Referee Gil Manzano recorded the gesture after the full-time whistle with the following annotation: "Once expelled and when he was heading towards the exit of the field, the player twice made a gesture of disapproval of the referee's decision...then pointing with his thumb towards the referee".
Despite the Catalan giants being a man down for an hour after Lewandowski's dismissal, Xavi's side managed to record a 2-1 win against Osasuna thanks to goals from Pedri and Raphinha.
That being said, Lewandowski and his teammate, Gerard Pique, were the biggest talking point of Tuesday's game.
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Pique, who brought his playing career to a close after the contest, immediately ran onto the pitch to confront Manzano after a controversial first-half.
The 35-year-old continued to protest when Manzano eventually brandished a red card, meaning the former Spain international couldn't come off the bench and make one final appearance for his beloved Barcelona.
Per Mundo Deportivo, Manzano's notes from the game claim Pique unleashed a tidal wave of abuse in frustration.
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He said: "Did you see what corner you gave us? You are the referee who has screwed us the most by far. It's a f**king shame, I s**t on your p*** mother!"