Mascherano sanctioned for two matches but will NOT miss 'El Clásico'

The Argentinian defender will only miss the next two La Liga matches, against Getafe on the 31st October and at home to Villarreal the following week on the 8th November.

Mascherano was given a straight red-card after sending an insult towards linesman which roughly translates to “the c*** of your sister”. This common colloquial phrase used in Argentina is not seen as derogatory and Mascherano was therefore given a lighter sentence. 

The defender has successfully escaped a fate that seemed similar to Pique’s, when his counterpart swore at a linesman to receive a heavier four-match-ban.  

You can watch the incident bellow and decide for yourself if it deserves a hasher sentence: