Ronald Koeman defends Lionel Messi after late red card

Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has come to the defence of club captain Lionel Messi after the Argentine received a late red card in the Supercopa de Espana defeat against Athletic Bilbao.

Messi was given his marching orders right at the death following a VAR check. Replays showed that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner had struck Bilbao forward Asier Villalibre in the back of the head off the ball.

The superstar is now set to serve a suspension, which could range from two to four games depending on how the authorities view the incident. He will miss Thursday’s Copa del Rey fixture against Cornella and Sunday’s trip to Elche at the very least, with the following meetings against Athletic Bilbao and…