Barcelona to use Real Madrid precedent to appeal Messi's yellow card for Maradona tribute

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi paid an emotional tribute to fellow Argentine compatriot Diego Maradona after scoring against Osasuna on Sunday. 60-year-old passed away last week following a cardiac arrest in Bues Aires, Argentina. Following tribute, Messi was handed a yellow card by referee for removing his shirt in game. w, Catalan giants look to follow precedent set out by Real Madrid to appeal against captain's booking.

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Messi Maradona tribute: Argentine booked by referee 

After scoring from a thunderous strike to round off Barcelona's victory against Osasuna, Messi went on to pay an epic tribute to Maradona. six-time Ballon d'Or winner removed his Barcelona shirt to unveil a Newells' Old Boys' shirt, which was once donned by Maradona during his stint with Argentine club. 

But rules stipulate a player shall be booked for removing his shirt during a celebration or orwise. Besides, Barcelona will also have to pay a fine estimated at €3,000 to Spanish football federation (RFEF), according to Spanish media publication Diario AS. 

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Messi yellow card to be overturned?

As per article 91 of Spanish FA' disciplinary code, " footballer who, on occasion of having scored a goal or for any cause derived from vicissitudes of game, raises his shirt and displays any kind of advertising, slogan, legend, acronyms, anagrams or drawings, whatever ir content or purpose of action, will be punished, as author of a serious offence, with a fine of up to €3,000 and a warning."

But, Barcelona's legal team have chalked out a plan to see out Messi yellow card. Catalan giants plan to use precedent set out by Real Madrid, dating back to 13 years. Back in 2007, defender Sergio Ramos paid a tribute to his former Sevilla teammate Antonio Puerta, following his death. 

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Messi and Maradona's relationship to be cited by Barcelona in appeal 

Ramos took off his shirt in hour and respect for his late Sevilla teammate. And Real Madrid successfully lodged an appeal against booking on sentiment and emotional grounds. Barcelona believe a similar situation was on display during Osasuna clash, considering intermittent relationship between Messi and Maradona, hoping that decision will be overturned. 

Also Read | Messi almost pulls off Maradona's 'Hand of God' moment against Osasuna; watch video

Im courtesy: Barcelona Twitter