Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo was banned on Tuesday for two Spanish league games for breaking an opponent's nose.
The Spanish football federation also fined Ronaldo euro600 ($843) for "dangerous play that caused harm." Madrid, which was also fined euro180 ($253), can appeal the decision.
Ronaldo will miss Madrid's matches at Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday and then against Espanyol.
Malaga defender Patrick Mtiliga will be out for three weeks after being struck in the face with Ronaldo's arm in the 70th minute of Madrid's 2-0 win Sunday. Ronaldo, who also scored both goals in the victory, was immediately given a red card.
Ronaldo, who was banned for one match in December for intentionally kicking out at a player, called the red card an "embarrassment" on Monday, adding he'd seen worse plays before.
Madrid director general Jorge Valdano continued to defend Ronaldo's actions on Tuesday.
"His only intention was to keep the play going," Valdano said before the decision was announced. "He'll accept the sanction. We're very sorry for the injury to the Malaga player and we know we must accept any decision, but we still reserve the right to defend our belief that we are correct."
Madrid will be without Ronaldo for one of its toughest away games of the season while trying to close in on Barcelona, which still hasn't lost a game this season and leads the league by five points.
Madrid hasn't won at El Riazor Stadium since 1991 and has lost three times in 12 games without Ronaldo this season, with seven wins.
Ronaldo banned 2 games for breaking rival's nose
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