Spanish referee Mateu Lahoz banned for his 'controversial' officiating during Sevilla-Barcelona game

Referee Mateu Lahoz has been punished by the Spanish Football Association (RFEF) for the "technical error" made during the recent La Liga match between Sevilla and Barcelona.

Barca came from behind to win 3-2 after Gary Medel was controversially given his marching orders for appearing to headbutt Cesc Fabregas, while Sevilla boss Michel was sent to the stands for protesting.

Lahoz also missed a handball by Thiago in the build-up to David Villa's winning goal.

The RFEF have deemed the expulsion of Medel unwarranted, given what took place during the player's confrontation with Fabregas.

"On one hand, there is no aggression in the strictest sense. It was a struggle between two rival players, who brought together their heads and it did not lead to a clearly violent event," the RFEF said in a statement.

"On the other side, the rival player has clearly exaggerated the effect of the struggle, feigning to have received a violent headbutt. Yet, Gary Medel was sent off as if he were guilty of a violent act. Consequently, a clear technical error is apparent as the facts of the case do not warrant the punishment given."

Lahoz will now serve a one-match suspension, with Clos Gomez taking his place in officiating the match between Real Madrid and Celta Vigo on October 20.