The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
Email: [email protected]

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

Digital News

Lionel Messi banned for two games after first-ever Barcelona red card

Football

By Robert Abong'o | Jan 19, 2021

Audio By Vocalize

**Soccer Football - Spanish Super Cup Final - FC Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao - Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla, Seville, Spain - January 17, 2021 Barcelona's Lionel Messi reacts** [Reuters, Marcelo Del Pozo]

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi has been handed a two-match ban following lashing out at an Athletic Bilbao player, consequently receiving his first-ever Red Card in Barcelona colours during the Super Cup final on Sunday, January 17.

After a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, referee Jesus Gil Manzano gave Messi a red card late in the game following an altercation on the ball with Bilbao’s Asier Villaibre. Messi appeared to hit Villaibre in the face, an act the referee deemed ‘excessive force’.

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Fact‑first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access.