Espanyol file official appeal over Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski being 'improperly fielded' in derby

Barcelona's rivals Espanyol have launched an official complaint after Robert Lewandowski was allowed to play in the Catalan derby.

Before the break for the World Cup, Lewandowski had been hit with a three-game ban after being sent off against Osasuna.

That dismissal was for two yellow cards in half an hour but the Poland captain performed a gesture towards officials and that earned him an extra two-game suspension.

However, with Barcelona still appealing the decision, 24 hours before the clash Lewandowski was granted a special reprieve which meant he was able to play in the New Year's Eve clash.

Espanyol fumed beforehand and issued a statement on the matter. However, after the 1-1 draw, they have called the decision to let Lewandowski play a "flagrant injustice" and complained to the Royal Spanish Football Federation.

A statement on their website read: "RCD Espanyol has filed a complaint with the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to challenge the match against FC Barcelona, ​​corresponding to the 15th LaLiga, for improper alignment.

"Before the start of the match, the club notified in good faith both the referee of the match, Mr. Mateu Lahoz, and the RFEF itself about the presence in the rival eleven of footballer Robert Lewandowski, who had to serve a sanction after being sent off for a double yellow in the previous day of the national championship.

"RCD Espanyol, as announced on the eve of the match, will use all the resources at its disposal to defend its interests and that of our fans, aware that this flagrant injustice puts the essence of our competition at risk and that this injustice is based on a hasty resolution and with obvious legal deficiencies."

Image: Alamy

A Madrid court temporarily lifted the suspension for Lewandowski, who played the full 90 minutes.

A late Joselu penalty cancelled out Marcos Alonso's early strike, with both sides finishing with ten men as Jordi Alba and Vinicius Souza were sent off.

Barcelona are back in action against Intercity in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday before they play away against Atletico Madrid on Sunday.