BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona says midfielder Sergio Busquets has been cleared to play in the Champions League final after UEFA dismissed claims he racially insulted Real Madrid defender Marcelo during the semifinals.
Barcelona says on its website that the club was informed by UEFA that its disciplinary panel has dismissed Madrid’s complaint.
Busquets was facing a five-match ban if the UEFA panel found the racial abuse allegation proven at a hearing held on Sunday.
Marcelo and Madrid alleged that Busquets called him a “monkey” during an ill-tempered first-leg match on April 27 in Madrid, which Barcelona won 2-0.
Busquets can now play in the May 28 final against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium.
