Luis Enrique made contact with Joao Pedro

Luis Enrique has not been given a touchline ban for the UEFA Super Cup, despite his apparent ‘slap’ on Joao Pedro at the Club World Cup. 

FIFA launched an investigation into the shocking incident at the end of the bad-tempered final between PSG and Chelsea last month. 

And despite Enrique appearing to connect with the Brazilian’s face, before the striker went down to the turf, he has escaped punishment. 

That means he’ll be in situ in his technical area as usual when the Champions League winners face Europa League champions Spurs on Wednesday night in Italy. 

Enrique’s ‘slap’ was another major flashpoint of the game in which Joao Neves was sent off for pulling the hair of Marc Cucurella.

After the final whistle, players and coaches from both sides came together in an altercation, with Enrique also involved. 

Luis Enrique made contact with Joao Pedro's face in angry scenes at the Club World Cup final

Luis Enrique made contact with Joao Pedro’s face in angry scenes at the Club World Cup final 

Pedro hit the floor shortly after the contact with Gianluigi Donnarumma also in close proximity

Pedro hit the floor shortly after the contact with Gianluigi Donnarumma also in close proximity 

During the melee, Enrique appeared to use his hand to make contact with Pedro in what some have termed a slap. 

Pedro hit the turf in a heap, with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in close proximity. 

Enrique subsequently tried to explain his actions, claiming he was attempting to act as a peacekeeper.    

‘At the end of the match, there is a lot of tension. It is a situation that can be avoided by everyone,’ said the PSG boss.

‘I think that is logical. I am going to prevent my players from going any further in that brawl and from then on there is pushing and shoving from everyone. 

‘I think that is not the best thing to do. 

‘It’s a result of the tension, the result of the situation of the match and I have nothing more to add. 

When asked about the incident with Enrique after full-time, Pedro said: ‘We’re world champions and that’s what matters.

‘At the end of the day, it’s normal. Both teams wanted to win and that happens. It’s all part of it.’  

By admin