Filipe Luis handed 3-match ban for tackle on Lionel Messi; Atletico to appeal

Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis has been handed a three-match ban following his dangerous tackle on Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi on Saturday.

The official La Liga ruling stated that Luis's ban for the reckless challenge was justified because of the "special seriousness of the action," after the Brazilian defender stuck his foot out and caught Messi on the knee.

Related - VIDEO: Filipe Luis sent off for terrible challenge on Lionel Messi

Despite the Argentine being fit enough to remain in the match, which Barcelona won 2-1, Luis was shown a straight red card for the incident. Atletico has already announced its plans to appeal the suspension.

If the ruling is upheld, Luis will miss matches against Eibar, Getafe, and Villarreal before he's eligible to return for Atletico's Champions League encounter with PSV Eindhoven.

The match featured a second sending off for the visitors when an accumulation of yellow cards prematurely ended Diego Godin's day. The two yellow cards will force the 29-year-old to miss Atletico's next match.

The club now faces the challenge of fielding a competent backline for its match against Eibar on Saturday. Defenders Juanfran (suspension) and possibly Stefan Savic (injury) will join their suspended teammates on the sidelines for the league match.