UEFA bans Xabi Alonso, Diego Simeone for misconduct

Zee Media Bureau

Nyon, Switzerland: The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has imposed one match ban each on Real Madrid midfielder, Xabi Alonso and Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone. The duo were involved in an ugly spat towards the end of last season`s Champions League final. Besides, UEFA has fined both the teams for misconduct during the Lisbon final, which was won by Los Blancos 4-1 over their city rivals Atletico. Atletico has been fined 21,000 euros, and Real 18,000 euros. The match witnessed seven Atletico and five Real players getting yellow cards as referee Bjorn Kuipers struggle to control the volatile fixture inside the Estadio da Luz. It all started from a protest from Simeone, who contested that Real centre-back Raphael Varane had deliberately kicked the ball toward him. The Argentine was seen invading the pitch twice during the extra time. Alonso, who missed the final for receiving three yellow cards during the competition, sprinted down the touchline after the final whistle. And they will missed their respective next European matches.