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Barcelona release statement on Lionel Messi following four-match ban
BARCELONA have branded Lionel Messi's four-game international ban as "unjust and totally disproportionate".
Lionel Messi handed four-match ban by FIFA
The Argentina forward received the ban by FIFA yesterday for "having directed insulting words" at an official during Thursday's World Cup qualifier with Chile.
He was caught on camera venting his fury at an assistant who signalled he had committed a foul in Argentina's 1-0 win.
Lionel Messi vented fury at official
And Barcelona have released an angry statement expressing their "surprise and outrage" at the punishment dished out to their star player.
It read: "FC Barcelona express their surprise and outrage at the official decision of the FIFA disciplinary committee to sanction Leo Messi after the World Cup qualifying match between Argentina and Chile.
"The club consider the four-game ban imposed upon the player unjust and totally disproportionate.
Barcelona show support for star man Lionel Messi
"Finally, FC Barcelona want to reiterate their support for Leo Messi, an exemplary sportsman for his behaviour on and off the pitch."
The 29-year-old missed Tuesday's 2-0 loss to Bolivia and will also be unavailable for Argentina's next three World Cup qualifiers, unless an appeal is successful.