Spanish champions, Real Madrid have received an early blow to their title defence. Their star forward, Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for five matches following his red card against Barcelona.
Ronaldo came off the bench to hand Madrid a 1-2 lead, after he scored a screamer following a counter attack, before celebrating by taking his shirt off, which earned him a yellow card.
Moments later, the 32-year-old received his marching order, after receiving a second yellow for diving.
This prompted Ronaldo to react by shoving referee, Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea on the back, an offense which carries a ban of four to twelve matches, according to Article 96 of the Spanish Federation rules.
Consequently, the football federation has now banned the Madrid legend for 5 matches, and fined €1750 by the RFEF.
This means that Ronaldo miss the second leg of the Supercopa against Barcelona at the Bernabeu.
Other matches Ronaldo is expected to miss, pending an appeal, include games against Deportivo, Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad.
