Top Swiss ref banned

The Swiss football association on Monday banned Switzerland’s highest-profile referee for three games after he gestured at the crowd with his middle finger.

Massimo Busacca, known as the country’s best referee and a regular on the international circuit, was buttonholed by the SonntagsBlick newspaper which printed a photograph of the gesture.

Busacca apologised on Sunday saying he regretted his “anti-sporting gesture” at Saturday’s first round Swiss cup tie between FC Baden and Young Boys.

But the association’s referees’ committee on Monday announced an immediate three-game ban despite noting that the “best Swiss referee” had been provoked by the fans.

Busacca was on duty at last season’s Champions League final between Manchester United and Barcelona, and also refereed at the 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008 and took charge of the UEFA Cup final in 2007.