NYON, Switzerland (AP) UEFA banned Italian great Gianluigi Buffon for three games on Tuesday for his red card in a Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid, and later comments about the referee.
Buffon, who has since left Juventus, will serve the ban next season if he signs for a club which plays in the Champions League or Europa League.
The 40-year-old goalkeeper verbally and physically confronted English referee Michael Oliver when Madrid was awarded a stoppage-time penalty as the second-leg game was heading to extra time.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the spot to send Madrid through 4-3 on aggregate to the semifinals.
In post-match interviews, Buffon criticized Oliver and questioned his ability. He apologized several days later.
Buffon was facing an automatic one-game ban for his red card.
