Soccer:Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has been handed a two-match ban by the Spanish football federation (RFEF) for his role in the mass brawl that marred the end of the Spanish Supercopa second leg against Barcelona in August.
During the incident Mourinho appeared to jab a finger in the eye of Barcelona assistant Tito Vilanova, who was today handed a one-match ban by the RFEF for his involvement.
Vilanova responded to Mourinho’s actions by striking the Portuguese on the side of the head as the match — which saw Barca emerge 3-2 winners on the night to claim the Supercopa 5-4 on aggregate — finished in ugly scenes at the Nou Camp.
Both men have been fined €600 while the bans will be served only in future Supercopa matches, the pre-season competition that pits the reigning Primera Division champions against the Copa del Rey holders.
Madrid and Barca, who were also fined €180 and €90 respectively for the fracas, have 10 days to appeal against the RFEF’s ruling.
The incident took place at the end of the second leg when Madrid defender Marcelo was sent off for a crude tackle on Barca debutant Cesc Fabregas, sparking a bust-up that saw Mourinho’s clash with Vilanova and red cards for substituted players David Villa and Mesut Ozil.
That flashpoint was the latest in a series of unsavoury incidents between the two clubs over the past 12 months, with Mourinho being handed a touchline European ban by Uefa for his actions during the Champions League semi-finals between Madrid and Barca.
