Panic as Messi, Barcelona to pay huge fine (See why)

Barcelona and Lionel Messi will be forced to pay the fines slapped on them over the Argentine’s touching tributes to legendary Diego Maradona in November.

The 1986 World Cup winner was confirmed dead in the 11th month and his death threw the entire football world into mourning.

Football stars both active and retired paid their last respect to the late attacker who made name for himself in Europe during his reign with Napoli and the Catalans.

This, however, led the six-time Ballon d’Or winner to reproduce one of the 60-year-old’s celebrations after netting a stunning goal against Osasuna two months back.

After paying tribute to his countryman wearing Newell’s Old Boys, Messi returned to the pitch and was issued a yellow card with a fine of €600 in accordance with article 91 of the Spanish FA Disciplinary Code.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are not left out of the punishment after being slapped with a fine of €3k to the Spanish FA for the tribute according to Diario AS quoting Football Espana.

The Catalan club could potentially appeal against this decision and take their appeal to the Administrative Court of Sport (CAS) within 15 working days, although there is no indication as yet that they will choose this option.

Back in December, former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart spoke of his outrage at the decision in comments carried by Diario AS, saying he wants to pay the €600 on Messi’s behalf.