Meireles incurs 11-match ban for spitting at referee

21-Dec-2012 3:05:00 AM

The Portugal international did not take his red card during the 2-1 Istanbul derby loss to Galatasaray well, and has received a lengthy ban from the football authorities

Fenerbahce midfielder Raul Meireles has been slapped with a 11-match suspension by Turkish Football Federation (TFF).

The former Chelsea man was handed the sentence after being found guilty of spitting at a referee after he was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence during his side's 2-1 defeat to Galatasaray.

The Portuguese initially denied the allegation, and continued to plead his case that the referee had made a mistake in giving him a red card in the first place.

It was originally thought that Meireles could be suspended for up to seven matches, however, the TFF have decided on a lengthier ban of 11 matches.

The 29-year-old moved to the Turkish giants over the summer from Chelsea and has been a regular in the side since, making over 10 Super Lig appearances this season, scoring once.