Chivu banned for four matches

Published Feb. 4, 2011 3:55 p.m. ET

foxsports

Inter Milan defender Cristian Chivu has been handed a four-match ban after throwing a punch in Thursday's 3-0 win at Bari.

The first-half incident involving Bari striker Marco Rossi was missed by the referee but a league statement said the decision had been reached using television evidence.

A statement read: "The sporting judge has decided to hand Chivu a four-match ban having examined the television imagines relating to the incident.

"The gesture of the player is considered violent conduct."

Chivu, who apologised for his actions after the match, will miss the games against Roma, Juventus, Fiorentina and Cagliari but will be return to action at Sampdoria on February 27.