Buffon banned after criticising ref Oliver

Ian Watson

Gianluigi Buffon has been banned for three matches by UEFA after criticising English referee Michael Oliver in the wake of Juventus’ Champions League elimination.

Goalkeeper Buffon was sent off by Oliver for his protests after the official awarded a stoppage-time penalty to Real Madrid in April’s Champions League quarter-final second leg.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal from the spot saw Real avoid extra-time and advance.

The 40-year-old Buffon’s punishment could be immaterial as the player is expected to retire after leaving Juve last month.

Following the match on April 11, Buffon said: “To award such a doubtful, or super doubtful, penalty just ahead of the final whistle and destroy the work of a team who gave absolutely everything, you have to have a rubbish bin instead of your heart.

“You need personality to referee a game like this. If you don’t have personality, you better watch the game from the stands with your wife and your kids while eating fries.

“It’s a pity it ended like this, unjustly. It was one tenth of a penalty. But life goes on.”

Buffon later apologised publicly to Oliver.