Vinicius handed two-match ban for tantrum
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has been given a two-match ban after his red card for violent conduct against Valencia last week.
Vinicius was sent off for slapping Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in the second half at the Mestalla stadium when his team was trailing 1-0.
Madrid ultimately recovered to win 2-1, staying two points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of LaLiga.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti subsequently outlined his hope that Vinicius would avoid a ban, despite red cards for violent conduct usually carrying a three-match penalty.
After an appeal by the club, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has suspended the Brazilian for two league games, while clearing him to participate in the Supercopa de Espana in Saudi Arabia.
Madrid, top of LaLiga with 43 points, will look to retain its Supercopa title this week.
It faces Real Mallorca in the semi-finals, with either Barcelona or Athletic Club awaiting the winner.
