Gareth Bale is still facing an anxious wait to discover if he will be allowed to play in the upcoming Copa del Rey and La Liga Clasicos, with sources telling ESPN FC that a decision on a possible suspension for his goal celebration at Atletico Madrid has been postponed.
La Liga’s authorities criticised the Wales international for making “a gesture of possible obscene and derogatory meaning” towards Rojiblanco fans during the 3-1 derbi victory.
The incident was not mentioned in the referee’s report after the game, however La Liga made the unusual step of reporting Bale to the Spanish federation’s (RFEF) competition committee, hinting at a one to three, or four to 12 game ban.
Sources at the RFEF told ESPN FC that the matter was due to be heard on Wednesday, but more information will be gathered before a ruling is made in seven days’ time.
Gareth Bale could find himself suspended just hours before the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal.
That means the decision could potentially affect Bale’s participation in the Copa del Rey semifinal second leg at home to Barcelona on Wednesday, Feb. 27 and the following Saturday’s La Liga Clasico.
Madrid have made no public comment, with Blancos coach Santi Solari dodging the question when asked last weekend if Madrid felt “pursued” by La Liga president Javier Tebas.
In recent weeks, Madrid have made clear their unhappiness with the video assistant referee (VAR). Blancos president Florentino Perez even called federation president Luis Rubiales to complain personally about a call which went against his side when they lost 2-0 at home to Real Sociedad last month.
There have long been tensions between Perez and Tebas, especially around the decision to ensure a more even distribution of TV revenues.
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