FC Barcelona defender Gerard pique was last night sent off at half-time in the tunnel as he protested Lewandowski sending off in his last match appearance as a player after a seemingly verbal exchange with the referee Jesus Gil Manzano in a game that saw his side come from behind to beat Osasuna 2-1.

Various media reports in Spain suggest that according to the referee’s report, pique was not pleased with the sending off of Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski and the Spanish player decided to question the decision of the referee which resulted in him being sent off.

Pique who already announced that he will be retiring from football was named as a substitute in the game and expected to play his last game for the Catalan giants but only to be prevented after receiving the matching orders.

Coach Xavi said he wanted to bring him on as a replacement for Andreas Christensen who was coming from an injury.

“I was going to bring him on Yes. We knew that Christensen was coming back from injury, that he lacked a bit of rhythm. so Gerard was left and we thought we could play him yes,” said Xavi.

Barcelona managed to collect maximum points after coming from behind to beat Osasuna and move five points clear at the top of the league standings.

Osasuna opened the scoring in the 6th minute through David Garcia but Barcelona equalised through Pedri in the 48th minute before Raphinah headed home the winning goal 5 minutes before full time.

The result meant the Catalan giants will start the New year on top of the La Liga ahead of their rivals Real Madrid.