AC Milan’s Bonucci issued 2-match ban for elbowing

AC-Milan's-Leonardo-Bonucci-gestures-during-an-Europa-League,-Group-D,-soccer-match-between-AC-Milan-and-AEK-Athens,-at-the-San-Siro-stadium-in-Milan,-Italy,-Thursday,-Oct.-19,-2017.-(Luca-Bruno/AP)

AC Milan's Leonardo Bonucci gestures during an Europa League, Group D, soccer match between AC Milan and AEK Athens. (Luca Bruno/AP)

MILAN — Leonardo Bonucci’s elbow to the head of a defender has resulted in a two-match ban and will prevent him from facing his former squad Juventus on Saturday.

The Italian league announced the decision on Monday, a day after Bonucci was sent off in the first half of AC Milan’s 0-0 draw at home with Genoa on Sunday.

Bonucci’s blow to Aleandro Rosi’s head as the pair jostled for position on a free kick left the Genoa player on the ground for several minutes before the blood was cleaned up and he continued playing.

The referee did not initially show Bonucci a red card. The decision came with the help of the video assistant referee (VAR) — marking the first time a red card was handed out by the VAR in Italy.

Bonucci will also miss a game against Chievo Verona on Wednesday.

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