Barcelona take appeal against Neymar's red card to CAS in last-gasp bid to have star available for clasico

The Brazilian was hit with an extended suspension after being red carded against Malaga and subsequently sarcastically clapping the match officials as he left the field

Neymar was handed a three-match ban after his red card at Malaga (Getty)

Barcelona are continuing their battle to get Neymar's three-match ban overturned by taking their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Brazilian was hit with an extended suspension after being red carded against Malaga and subsequently sarcastically clapping the match officials as he left the field.

The ban, of which he has already served one game, will see him miss the clasico with Real Madrid on Sunday as well as the upcoming La Liga encounter with Osasuna.

But despite having their initial appeal turned down by the league the club haven't given up on having one of their star men available at the Bernabeu on Sunday.

A statement on Barcelona's website read: "With the Appeal Committee dismissing FC Barcelona's appeal for the three-match suspension of Neymar Jr, the Club will appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

"It should be reminded that the referee showed the Brazilian two yellow cards against Málaga.

"According to the referee’s report produced by Gil Manzano, Neymar received the first card for 'not respecting the regulated distance before a free-kick, after being warned in advance'.

"For the second yellow, he was sanctioned for 'bringing down an opponent when disputing for the ball'.

"And, in addition, he also wrote that Neymar 'after being sent off and when he was heading to the tunnel, he went towards the fourth official and applauded him'."