GERARD PIQUE has been banned from acting as a club owner after allegedly confronting a referee in a furious tunnel bust-up.
The FC Andorra chief is set to be sidelined for at least two months following his side’s defeat to Albacete, with officials claiming he behaved in an “intimidating manner” – report Spanish outlet El País
Pique’s has also been fined €1,500 and will see a partial stadium closure for two matches, specifically targeting the presidential box and VIP areas.
According to the referee’s report, Pique followed the official “within inches” while shouting and questioning his performance, with alleged comments including warnings he should “leave with an escort” and hopes he would “have an accident.”
Spain’s disciplinary committee has now handed down a six-match suspension and a two-month ban, while Andorra have also been fined €1,500 and hit with a partial stadium closure.
After FC Andorra’s 1-0 defeat at home to Albacete on Friday, Pique said: “In another country I’d beat the s*** out of you, but here in Andorra we’re a civilised country.”
Reports initially suggested that the Barcelona legend could face a ban of up to two years, and his club could be handed a points deduction.
FC Andorra’s defeat meant they slid to 10th, meaning they are now eight points behind sixth-place Malaga who currently occupy the final play-off place.
The club have been on an incredible journey since Pique made the purchase back in December 2018, rising from fifth tier to second tier.
That’s a feat Pique’s former teammate Lionel Messi will be hoping to achieve in the coming years.
he Argentine megastar bought fifth-tier club Cornella three weeks ago, and will no doubt have his sights set on taking them up through the Spanish football pyramid.
What won’t inspire him is Pique’s behaviour towards the referee on Friday, which he will certainly learn a lesson or two from given his sanction.
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