Barcelona are expected to appeal the red card handed out to winger Raphinha during their 0-0 draw with Getafe.

Raphinha was booked in an ugly first half which was littered with fouls and excess physicality and was ultimately shown a red card shortly before the interval after appearing to elbow Getafe defender Gaston Alvarez off the ball.

Head coach Xavi, who lashed out at the referee after the game, insisted Raphinha should not have been sent off as he had been provoked by a Getafe side who ended the game with 20 fouls, six yellow cards and a red card of their own.

According to Marca, that alleged provocation will form the basis of Barcelona's appeal to La Liga as they seek to try and avoid the harshest punishment.

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Barcelona also plan to argue that Raphinha's collision with Gaston was entirely innocent and simply an unfortunate consequence of two players jostling for position.

La Liga's disciplinary committee have not yet dished out a punishment to Raphinha and must determine whether the Brazilian acted with malice.

A three-game suspension would be the minimum if La Liga believe Raphinha was intentionally violent, while a two-game ban could be issued if there is confidence the 26-year-old did not mean to harm his opponent.

Barcelona are at home to Cadiz next weekend and will close out the month with a trip to Villarreal, while Raphinha could also miss an away clash with Osasuna if he is suspended for three games.

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This article was originally published on 90min as Barcelona to appeal Raphinha red card in Getafe draw.