Samp's Cassano banned for five matches for abusing referee

Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano has been banned for five matches after abusing the referee following his red card in Sunday's 2-2 draw with Torino, the Italian league said yesterday.

The temperamental forward, on a season's loan from Real Madrid, protested wildly after being dismissed for dissent in the closing stages.

He took off his shirt and threw it towards the referee before continuing to shout abuse for a spell from the sidelines.

The always colourful Cassano issued a public apology afterwards but the league has still come down hard, saying in a statement that he would also be fined €15,000.

He had earlier scored Samp's second equaliser, his seventh goal in a stunning return to Serie A this season.

His skilful displays have helped Sampdoria up to seventh and put him back in contention for a recall to the Italy squad for Euro 2008.

However, Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has said he would have to improve his well-documented attitude problems after a string of controversial incidents during his career at Bari, Roma and Madrid.

Earlier this season he burst into tears and fell to the floor after a booking ruled him out of a game with favourite former club Roma. He was also involved in a verbal spat on the touchline with Reggina's coach at the time, Renzo Ulivieri.