Neymar receives three-match suspension, absent from El Clasico

The Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary committee has decided to ban Neymar for three matches for clapping at the referee.

The suspension means Neymar will miss three consecutive La Liga matches, including games against Sociedad, Real Madrid and Osasuna.

According to the Disciplinary Committee, Neymar showed contempt for the referee's decision after being sent off in Barca's loss to Malaga on April 8. The penalty for this behavior is two matches, plus one match for receiving two yellow cards.

Barca will appeal Neymar's punishment. According to the team, Neymar's clapping action was not meant to be sarcastic and did not deserve punishment.

El Clasico will be missing an attacking star. Photo: Reuters

Neymar's absence from the El Clasico against Real Madrid on April 23 is a huge blow for Barca, a match the reigning La Liga champions must win at the Bernabeu. Barcaare currently three points behind Real, having played a game more.

Neymar is currently Barca's second-highest assist provider since the start of the La Liga season, with 10 assists. The "number 11" has also contributed nine goals for the team.

According to VNE