BREAKING NEWS: Ronaldo handed three-game ban

The Portugal international will miss three matches following his dismissal at the weekend, but will be available for Wednesday's Copa del Rey game against Atletico

The Spanish football association (RFEF) has decided to hand Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo a three-game ban following his red card against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend.

The Portugal international received his marching orders in the 76th minute of Sunday's La Liga encounter after an altercation with Athletic's Ander Iturraspe and Carlos Gurpegui.

Ronaldo consequently risked a suspension that could cover anything from one game to in excess of three and the RFEF has now opted to keep him out of action for three matches as the attacker's offence is considered to have been an act of violent conduct.

The 29-year-old will miss the Liga games at home against Villarreal (February 9) and Elche (February 23) as well as the away match versus Getafe (February 16).