Real Madrid’s Pepe, Ozil hit by bans
Mourinho also incurs suspension
Real Madrid duo Pepe and Mesut Ozil were yesterday hit with two- and one-match bans respectively for arguing with a referee, raising pressure on the league leaders as Barcelona snap at their heels.
The Spanish Football Federation also handed a one-match ban to Real’s Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho over the bad-tempered 1-1 draw against Villarreal on Wednesday.
Two Real players got red cards in the closing moments of the match: defender Sergio Ramos for a second yellow card, and Ozil for protesting that decision.
Among angry exchanges involving Real Madrid members, referee Paradas Romero also sent Mourinho to the stands along with his assistant Rui Faria.
Pepe insulted Romero, according to Spanish media.
Mourinho received a “one-match ban for a double booking and consequent expulsion” from the touchline, while Faria received a two-match ban, the federation said in a statement.
Ramos escaped a ban in yes-terday’s ruling by the federation’s Competition Committee, which listed the sanctions in a regular bulletin released after a meeting.
The draw allowed Real’s fierce rivals Barcelona to close the Madrid team’s lead to six points at the top of the Spanish league.
The bans mean Mourinho and midfielder Ozil will sit out today’s league match against Real Socieded in the stands, while defender Pepe will miss that game plus the tie away to Osasuna on April 1.
Defending champions Barcelona are unbeaten in four games and go to in-form Mallorca today.