Appeals board reduce Filipe’s suspension from 3 games to 1

The Spanish Football Federation’s Appeals Commission have reached a verdict on the appeal lodged by Atlético de Madrid against three three-match ban handed to Filipe Luis for the challenge on Leo Messi in last week’s game at Camp Nou. The Appeals Commission confirmed this evening that the ban has been reduced from three games to just one, as proof that the Atlético player intended to harm Messi was inconclusive after video evidence was studied. The board agreed that the challenge took place, “as two players contested the ball” but nevertheless, “breached the RFEF Disciplinary Code on violent play”.

Filipe Luis will sit out Saturday’s game against Eibar but will be able to return to the first team after serving his suspension for the following game, away at Getafe.