Diego Simeone reacted wittily to a question about Robert Lewandowski on Tuesday. The Pole may be able to ‘just’ take action against Atlético Madrid on Sunday with Barcelona, and at a press conference the coach was asked what he thinks of this. Simeone responded with one word: Oviedo. With this, the Argentinian seems to say that he first wants to focus on the meeting with Real Oviedo in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday evening.
Lewandowski was booked twice in November in the 1-2 win against Osasuna. When leaving the field, the attacker then made a snort gesture to referee Jesús Gil Manzano and his assistants twice. A three-game suspension followed, which would mean that Lewandowski would have to miss the games against Espanyol, Atlético Madrid and Real Betis.
Diego Simeone when asked about Lewandowski’s participation against Atlético Madrid on Sunday: “Oviedo.” ??pic.twitter.com/D6joJ57xk9
— Atletico Universe (@atletiuniverse) January 3, 2023
However, Barcelona decided to appeal, requiring a re-examination of the case. That investigation is currently still not completed, so that Lewandowski can take action pending the verdict. As a result, he also played against Espanyol (1-1) last Saturday, to the anger of the club’s board, which also filed an official complaint. “This injustice (the participation of Lewandowski, ed.) is based on a hasty solution with clear legal shortcomings,” Espanyol wrote in a statement.
The investigation into the suspension is now still ongoing, so there is a chance that Lewandowski will also be able to play against Atlético next Sunday evening. In theory, it could even take months before a verdict is reached due to the pressure at the court. However, that is expected to happen within two weeks. In the coming days it will be up to Barcelona and the Spanish disciplinary committee to present their arguments, after which there will finally be clarity.