Referee who sent off Ronaldo at Bilbao is suspended for a month and barred from taking charge of Real games this season

The referee who dismissed Cristiano Ronaldo in Real Madrid's draw at Athletic Bilbao last weekend has been suspended.

The Spanish League's Refereeing Technical Committee (CTA) has dropped Miguel Angel Ayza Gamez for a month and he has been barred from officiating Real matches this season.

According to reports in Spain, there is a real danger he could be demoted from the list of La Liga match officials following his poor handling of the game.

Ronaldo was sent off for the seventh time in his career in the 75th minute of Sunday's 1-1 draw at San Mames after he raised his hand to Bilbao captain Carlos Gurpegi, who fell to the floor theatrically.

He also confronted Bilbao midfielder Ander Iturraspe during an ugly melee.

Ronaldo has been banned for three matches and will miss his team's forthcoming fixtures against Villarreal, Getafe and Elche - a major blow in Real's bid to beat rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to the title.

The Portuguese, who turned 29 on Wednesday, was banned for one match for violent conduct and a further two matches for dissent as he walked from the field. He was also fined just under £1,000.

However, the news that Ayza Gamez has been suspended will encourage Real in their appeal against Ronaldo's ban.

The Spanish Football Federation's Appeals Committee convenes on Friday to consider their argument.

Ronaldo, the Ballon d'Or winner who has scored 32 goals in 31 matches this season, is still eligible to play in the Copa del Rey and featuring during the midweek 3-0 win over Atletico at the Bernabeu.

He will also be able to play in next week's second leg.

source

dailymail