MADRID: Valencia have promised to ban for life the fan who threw a plastic bottle which hit Leo Messi – if they ever discover his identity.

Argentina’s 27-year-old was struck as Barcelona players celebrated the goal from Sergio Busquests which earned them a 1-0 win in the third minute of stoppage time.

Messi was not seriously injured which Valencia have condemned.

A Valencia statement added: “The club will endeavour to locate the person who threw the bottle. They will be banned for life from the Mestalla. Valencia CF operate a zero tolerance policy on such actions and rigorously enforce all security measures set out by legislation.”

Earlier on in the day, a fan died after clashes between fans before Atletico de Madrid’s home match against Deportivo de La Coruna.

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