Mestalla bottle-thrower to escape punishment?

Valencia are reportedly finding it difficult to identify which supporter launched a bottle towards Lionel Messi in the latter stages of Los Che's La Liga clash with Barcelona on Sunday.

During the celebrations of Barca's late winner, Messi was struck in the face by an object – later revealed to be a bottle - thrown from the crowd.

Valencia released a statement on Monday insisting that they will ban the individual involved, but according to Inside Spanish Football, a blind spot in the stadium's security system has made it difficult to find the guilty party.

It is understood that the Spanish club are relying on television pictures to assist their investigation, but they are not expected to be successful.