Valencia to impose lifetime ban on fan who threw bottle at Lionel Messi

Valencia is doing its best to deter imbeciles from souring the in-stadium experience at the Mestalla. In the process, they hope to do a better job of protecting the players on the pitch.

During Sunday's match against Barcelona, Lionel Messi was struck in the head by a bottle while celebrating Sergio Busquets' winning goal in the 94th minute with his teammates (see video below).

The Argentine star suffered a cut to the side of his head as a result, and Valencia quickly issued a statement outlining their disdain for the unseemly event.

"Valencia CF regret and condemn the isolated incident in the game against FC Barcelona, in which a small, uncapped bottle of water was thrown from the stands at opposition player Lionel Messi," read the statement, as translated by FOX Soccer.

"The club will endeavour to locate the person who threw the bottle, and they will be banned for life from Mestalla. Valencia CF operate a zero tolerance policy on such actions and rigorously enforce all security measures set out by legislation."