Neymar sees red as Malaga shock Barca

The two-match ban announced Tuesday comes in addition to a one-game suspension he was automatically required to serve after being sent off in a 2-0 loss at Malaga on Sunday.

Neymar will miss the game against Real Sociedad next weekend but is now in real danger of missing the April 23 clasico at the Bernabeu, which will go a long way to deciding the Spanish title.

He had been shown his first booking for delaying a Malaga free-kick while tying his shoelaces, and got his second yellow after charging into Diego Llorente.

However, Sandro netted on the break against his former club on 32 minutes and substitute Jony Rodriguez added a late second after Brazil forward Neymar saw red, having picked up a needless second caution.

Neymar was criticized by fans and local media for needlessly picking up two yellow cards that hurt Barcelona's chances of a comeback against Malaga.

Barcelona can still appeal the decision and are nearly certain to do so.

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And if he is banned for more than one league game he will be unavailable for the April 23 Clasico at the Bernabeu, a decisive day in the Liga title race with Madrid now three points clear.

Luis Enrique's side were unable to find a route back into the match and ended up 2-0 losers at Malaga, dealing their title challenge a major blow with rivals Madrid three points clear and possessing a game in hand.

The Catalans are arguing that Neymar's sarcastic clapping did not necessarily mean dissent and that the additional ban is therefore unjustified. But [as players] we don't point fingers at each other.

Barcelona suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Malaga in a crucial La Liga match at La Rosaleda Stadium on Saturday.

"It's curious that a team like us that doesn't usually kick people gets so many yellow cards in such an incomprehensible manner", Enrique said.