Neymar may miss El Clasico after mocking referee

Neymar was sent-off as Barcelona blew a great chance to cut the gap at the top of La Liga in a shock 2-0 defeat to Malaga on Saturday.

Neymar is set to miss El Clasico at Real Madrid on 23 April after being handed a retrospective three-game ban following his dismissal during Barcelona's 2-0 defeat to Malaga on Saturday (8 April).

However, the Brazilian made matters worse by then sarcastically applauding the match officials as he departed the field, leading to an extra game ban.

Referee Jesus Gil Manzano included the incident in his report which means, as Marca reported on Monday, Neymar could be facing a three-game ban - one for the red card and two for the clapping gesture.

He was given a yellow card for "obstructing a free-kick" when he bent over to tie the laces of his shoes.

The Spanish Federation of Soccer brought the hammer down on Barcelona " s Neymar on Tuesday, handing him a three-game red card suspension according to Sports Illustrated.

The news is a major blow to the Catalan side, who now lie three points behind Real Madrid in the race for the La Liga title, having played a game more than their rivals. Past precedent suggest Neymar could miss up to four games.

"I think the interpretation of the yellow cards is special", said the Barcelona manager.

And they were undone by a Case of the Ex, as Barcelona's decision to sell Sandro Ramirez came back to haunt them, as it was his goal that gave Malaga the lead.

"There was some very ugly tackles from behind from their team which didn't see them get booked and others committed by us which were given yellows".

FC Barcelona's Neymar reacts during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between FC Barcelona and Sevilla at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Wednesday, April 5, 2017.

Malaga, that began the match in 15th area, looked far more harmful, especially on the counter-attack.