Barcelona boss Xavi learns fate ahead of El Clasico showdown with Real Madrid as he receives suspension following Atletico Madrid red card

The Competitions Committee has sentenced Xavi to a two-match suspension, SPORT has confirmed [via @Barca_Buzz on X]. Due to his antics and complaints on the touchline over some of the referee's rulings, the 44-year-old tactician was sent off during the first half of that match at the Wanda Metropolitano. After being first booked, Xavi was sent off a few minutes later for continuing to air his disapproval against several of the referee's calls.

Due to Xavi being a repeat offender, there were worries that he may be given a three-match suspension, which would prevent him from being on the sidelines in the Clasico against Real Madrid in April. However, given that he received solely a two-match ban, he will be eligible to take to the dugout for that match, which will be has last against Madrid as Barcelona boss. Furthermore, Xavi has also been fined €600 (£514/$655) and the club will also be required to pay a €700 (£600/$764) penalty.

According to Barca Noticias, in his three years as Barcelona manager, Xavi has been given 24 yellow cards in La Liga, or one yellow card every 5.5 league games. He received yellow cards at a much lower rate as a player during his 928-match career, receiving a yellow card every 13 games.

That most recent suspension means the World Cup-winning midfielder will miss the Catalan side's matches against Las Palmas at Montjuic and Cadiz away from home, before he returns to the touchline for the Clasico against Real Madrid on April 21. He will, however, be in the dugout before then in Europe, as he will oversee Barca's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain on April 10.