Pepe gets 10-game ban for outburst

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MADRID — Real Madrid defender Pepe was banned for 10 games Friday for lashing out at two Getafe players in a Spanish league match.

Pepe was suspended for his actions in Tuesday’s 3-2 win at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, which began when he pushed Javier Casquero to the ground to concede an 88th-minute penalty before kicking him in the back and stamping on him several times. Pepe then punched Juan Angel Albin in the jaw and insulted the fourth referee after leaving the field.

"One game for the foul, four for the aggressive acts (on Casquero), four for the second (attack on Albin) and another one for the insults directed at the referee," disciplinary commission president Alfredo Florez said. "He was not provoked prior to the aggression and there was no immediate regret. Also, he had already received seven (cards) in league play."

The Spanish champions said they won’t make a decision on whether to appeal before Monday.

Pepe said his "crazy" actions were due to frustration over conceding the penalty, which he believed would cost Madrid its chance of winning a third straight league title.

Casquero missed the spot kick and Gonzalo Higuain scored deep into injury time for Madrid to remain within six points of leader Barcelona.

Pepe will miss out on the May 3 "clasico" between the two Spanish powerhouses as a result.

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