Hi,
You didn't lose this battle because of a suspension, quick sale, Messi, glitch or whatever you want to call it. You lost because at the end of the battle the team with the most overall points won (not just because of that particular game).
This issue isn't a bug, players on the transfer list are always 100% (no cards, no suspension, full fitness and morale level and no injuries) I believe even their previous goals or assists in the league does not count (not sure though).
This is how the game (engine) is by design. You did what you thought was best for your team so you could have an attacker up front when going up against your opponent but most users know that players that are sold to the engine can return to the transfer list or brought back by the scout anew.
Every user has played this way and some have benefited and not so much for others.
This isn't a bug so there is no issue here. However, you can always suggest about an idea to make this more realistic on the appropriate topic:
https://forum.onlinesoccermanager.com/topic/3310/osm-game-features-chatroom-suggestions
Closed!