Juventus

UEFA bans Buffon for rants at Champions League referee

Published Jun. 5, 2018 3:14 p.m. ET

NYON, Switzerland (AP) UEFA banned Italian great Gianluigi Buffon for three games on Tuesday for his red card in a Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid, and later comments about the referee.

Buffon, who has since left Juventus, will serve the ban next season if he signs for a club which plays in the Champions League or Europa League.

The 40-year-old goalkeeper verbally and physically confronted English referee Michael Oliver when Madrid was awarded a stoppage-time penalty as the second-leg game was heading to extra time.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the spot to send Madrid through 4-3 on aggregate to the semifinals.

In post-match interviews, Buffon criticized Oliver and questioned his ability. He apologized several days later.

Buffon was facing an automatic one-game ban for his red card.

Get more from Juventus Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic