PAUL INCE has been suspended for four games following his third red card in Italy this season.

The Inter Milan midfielder was sent off for protesting to the referee with foul language and abusive gestures during his club's 1-1 draw with Reggiana, currently bottom in serie A, on December 22nd.

The ban is the heaviest punishment meted out by the league's disciplinary commission so far this season and is sure to increase speculation that the 29 year old England star could seek a return to the English Premiership at the end of the season.