AC Milan striker Balotelli handed three-match ban

Milan: Mario Balotelli has been banned for three matches following a confrontation with the referee after AC Milan's loss to Napoli.

Balotelli, who missed a penalty and scored in Sunday's match, was shown a second yellow card after the final whistle for his protests.

The Italy striker will miss the next three matches for making "insulting and intimidating comments" towards the referee.

Balotelli will miss the games against Bologna, Sampdoria and Juventus, although Milan may appeal the sentence.

Milan will have its Curva Sud shut for the next home game against Sampdoria as punishment for racist chanting during the loss to Napoli.