The 33-year-old forward paid homage to deceased football legend by taking off his Barcelona jersey to reveal a Newell’s Old Boys shirt belonging to Maradona, during their 4-0 win over Osasuna on Sunday, a gesture that was praised around the world.
Messi wasn’t the only one who received a fine, Barca was allegedly fined €180 for the offence their player committed.
Though the Catalan giants protested against the punishment, suggesting that it should be waived because the gesture was a tribute to Maradona. But the Spanish Federation competition committee showed little sympathy in upholding the rules.
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According to their statement, Messi violated article 93 of the disciplinary code which states that a player should be punished for removing their shirt when celebrating, irrespective of the motive.
It also added that the only condition he could have had the sanction waived was if he was booked in error.
Meanwhile, Messi used to be a ball boy for Newell’s Old Boys during Maradona’s time at the club. He played for the club’s junior team before leaving for Barca at 13 years.
