Frederic Kanoute has been handed a one-match ban after he was sent off against Barcelona amidst claims of racial abuse.
Striker saw red against Barca
Frederic Kanoute has been handed a one-match ban by the Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] after he was sent off against Barcelona amidst claims of racial abuse.
The Sevilla striker was shown a red card in the last minute of the game at the Camp Nou on Saturday after appearing to become incensed by something that Barca star Cesc Fabregas said to him.
Fabregas denies reports he racially abused Kanoute and the pair are said to have settled the dispute via the telephone.
Despite this reconciliation the RFEF has suspended the ex-West Ham and Tottenham forward because 'he grabbed by the neck and pushed an opponent before the penalty was taken'.
Proof
The RFEF admits it could see that Kanoute was provoked by Fabregas but without proof of what was said it could not punish the Barcelona midfielder.
"Looking at the images Fabregas does direct some words towards the Sevilla players but nevertheless the referee described the act of grabbing the neck and then pushing the player," said an RFEF spokesman.
Lionel Messi took the penalty that was awarded before the melee broke out but goalkeeper Javi Varas saved it to earn his side a goalless draw.
