Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed a three-match ban following his sending-off in Sunday’s Primera Division draw with Athletic Bilbao.

The newly-crowned FIFA Ballon d’Or winner was given a one-match suspension for the straight red card and handed a further two-match ban for a gesture he made as he left the field.

Ronaldo is now set to miss the league matches against Villarreal, Getafe and Elche, although Real have 10 days to appeal against the decision.

Ronaldo, who turned 29 yesterday, was dismissed in the 75th minute of the 1-1 draw at San Mames following an off-the-ball incident first involving Athletic captain Carlos Gurpegi and then home midfielder Ander Iturraspe.

The former Manchester United man was pushed by Gurpegi after appealing for a handball in the area and responded by brushing his hand into the Athletic man’s face.

Gurpegi tumbled to the turf and a melee between the teams ensued with Ronaldo and Iturraspe confronting each other.

Iturraspe ended up with a yellow card while Ronaldo was shown a straight red card.

Ronaldo then courted more controversy while leaving the pitch as he was seen to slap his cheek several times, which is a mocking gesture in Spain to suggest someone has some nerve and was perceived as criticism of the officials’ decision.