La Liga - Barcelona's second appeal against Ronaldinho's suspension for Saturday's vital derby with Espanyol has been denied by the Spanish Sports Disciplinary Committee (CEDD).

The Brazilian wizard was sent off for kicking Getafe's David Belenguer away from the ball two weeks ago, automatically ruling him out of the massive clash in Barca's Camp Nou.

The first appeal, to the Spanish Football Association, was unsuccessful and so the Catalan club tried a different avenue, coach Frank Rijkaard even naming Ronnie in his squad for the match in the hope that he would be allowed to feature.

However he must now consign himself to the fact that he will be without his key man for the penultimate match of the season.

Barca are level on points with arch rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, yet second on the head-to-head rule. Sevilla are two points behind.

Ronaldinho can play in the final match of the season, another Catalan derby - against relegated Nastic.

Jonathan Symcox