Real Madrid defender Pepe hit with 10-match ban

Real Madrid defender Pepe has been handed a ten-match ban for his brain explosion against Getafe this week.

Pepe was shown a red card and had to be escorted off the pitch by team-mate Iker Casillas after twice aiming kicks at the prone Javi Casquero, who he had just pushed over to concede an 87th-minute spot-kick. He also struck Juan Albin in the face in the ensuing melee.

Pepe immediately went public following the game to apologise for his actions but the authorities have come down hard on the Portugal defender who will now miss the final six games of this campaign and the first four of next season.