Roma defender Mexes banned for three games

AS Roma’s French defender Philippe Mexes has been handed a three-match ban after blasting a match official while being sent off in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Brescia.

Mexes had already been yellow carded for a tackle on Brescia forward Eder in the 14th minute, and was sent off for a second booking on the Brazilian just after the hour mark.

On his way off the pitch the Frenchman started remonstrating with one of the touchline officials. Television pictures appeared to reveal that Mexes did not actually make contact with Eder the second time.

The match referee, Carmine Russo, was widely criticised after Wednesday’s match.

At the disciplinary commission meeting which ruled on Mexes’ ban, the president of the Italian referees association (AIA), Marcello Nicchi, said Russo would “probably have a break”.

Russo has already been criticised by AC Milan for his performance in their 0-2 defeat to Cesena.

Mexes will miss the Serie A matches against Inter Milan and Genoa at home and the trip to Napoli, and his place is likely to be taken by Argentine Nicolas Burdisso, who is set to return from a two-match ban.