Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella is out of their Champions League round 16 tie against Liverpool.
The 24-year-old has been almost ever-present for Inter this season, playing in all but 44 minutes of their opening Champions League matches so far – including a bizarre dismissal.
Having tangled with Real Madrid’s Eder Militao while contesting the ball, Barella punched the defender on the leg in an incident that saw his opponents square up to the Inter mainstay before referee Felix Brych produced the red card.
UEFA’s control, ethical and disciplinary committee now appears to have ordered Barella to miss both legs of the Italian giants’ first match in this season’s knockout stage, with Gazzetta saying Inter will not appeal.
A ruling document shared by the outlet from the tournament organisers shows that Brych’s report recorded Barella’s unusual transgression as ‘assault’, ensuring a ban of more than one game.
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