Football

Ronald Koeman facing four-match ban


FC Barcelona manager, Ronald Koeman is facing a four-match ban following a charge he has received from the Royal Spanish Football Federation.  
Koeman found himself in trouble as a result of his comments about VAR following his side’s defeat to Real Madrid in El Classico on October 24.
The referee had awarded Real Madrid a penalty during the game after checking VAR for a foul by Clement Lenglet on Sergio Ramos.  
Koeman insisted that the incident which led to the awarding of the penalty – a shirt pull – was one that regularly occurs in a match and hit out at the technology’s lack of consistency in VAR’s application.  
“I would like someone to explain to me how VAR works in Spain.  “So far this season it has only intervened against Barcelona, never in our favour,” Koeman said.  
“It did the same against Getafe and Sevilla, for plays against us.” 
But his comments could see him banned for four games, although he may escape punishment as they were not aimed at a specific decision or directly towards the referee.  
Former Barcelona director Xavi Vilajoana has also been charged for his comments about referees. 
He did attempt to backtrack from them by taking them back on social media but the disciplinary committee still decided to launch action.
Barcelona are next in action at home to Real Betis on Saturday in La Liga.  
They then travel to Atletico Madrid later this month after the two-week international break.

Sammy Wejinya

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