NEYMAR WILL NOT play for Barcelona in el Clasico against Real Madrid later this evening (7.45pm) as the Catalans were forced to admit defeat in their fight against his suspension.

The Brazilian is in the midst of a three-game suspension for his red card and subsequent sarcastic applause of the officials in Barca’s 2-0 defeat to Malaga two weeks ago.

Barca’s appeal to Spain’s Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAD) wasn’t placed until after the court’s normal meeting time on Friday. The club had argued that until a ruling on the appeal was held, Neymar’s ban should be suspended and therefore allow him to feature for the potentially title-defining trip to the Bernabeu.

Barcelona would be taking an enormous risk by playing Neymar as they could be sanctioned with defeat for fielding an ineligible player.

And while the club said on Saturday that Neymar would travel to Madrid, they issued a statement on Sunday morning to confirm that he would not be a part of the squad.