News Sports Soccer UEFA bans Gianluigi Buffon for rants at Champions League referee

UEFA bans Gianluigi Buffon for rants at Champions League 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.

UEFA bans Buffon for rants at Champions League referee Image Source : AP Michael Oliver shows a red car to Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon during a Champions League quarterfinal match between Real Madrid and Juventus

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.