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Argentina To Appeal Messi's Suspension; Piqué's Comments Spark Controversy

Marcelo Tinelli, the president of the Argentine National Teams Committee, said of Lionel Messi's four-game suspension, "We are going to appeal the punishment, which is unjust and arbitrary," according to OLÉ. Barcelona lost to Bolivia 2-0 in the first game of Messi's suspension. He added, "We are speaking with Argentine FA lawyers and other lawyers who specialize in sports rights. The truth is that it took us by surprise. ... Not one ref said anything. One said that there could have been an insult. The inspector of the game did not give a warning" (OLÉ, 3/28). LA AFICIÓN reported Bolivian President Evo Morales "did not agree with Messi's sanction." He took to Twitter "to express his support for Messi" (LA AFICIÓN, 3/28). The BBC reported Barcelona in a statement described Messi's ban with Argentina as "unfair and totally disproportionate." He remains free to play for the La Liga club (BBC, 3/29).

IN SPAIN: GOAL reported Barcelona's Gerard Piqué questioned why the likes of Messi and Neymar "face accusations" while there is "nothing for [Cristiano] Ronaldo." He was asked why the likes of Ronaldo "escape any accusations from the press and in courts in Spain." He said, "The thing I don't like about Madrid is its directors' boxes, the things that happen there: accusations for Messi, Neymar and nothing for Ronaldo. We all know what goes on in the Madrid box, it's always been like that. I consider all of Madrid's players friends, but as a club, what do you want me to say? Is it the judge who accuses, not Madrid? Well, we know who it is, and how it all works. That's how I feel. I'm not going to argue about this." He was speaking "hours after" Messi received his ban (GOAL, 3/29). GOAL also noted Barcelona positioned itself "firmly behind" Piqué. Barcelona VP Jordi Cardoner said, "From what I have been able to read and from what I have heard, Piqué has not lied and Barcelona are always on the side of the truth. Piqué has expressed his opinion freely and we are in favor of freedom of expression. It may offend, but he has stated it very clearly" (GOAL, 3/30). In Madrid, Sergio Fernández reported La Liga President Javier Tebas said of Piqué's comments, "I hope the Supreme Court absolves Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Piqué made a mistake, nothing more. I don't think his comments incite violence but do lead to more tension." Tebas said of video assistant referees, which "got several key calls right" in Spain's 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday, "VAR is in danger if [Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Ángel María] Villar continues in charge of RFEF. We've been working on incorporating it, but there is nothing of the sort in Villar's electoral program. ... This is hurting La Liga" (MARCA, 3/29).

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