Real's Ancelotti given two-match ban

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has been given a two-match touchline ban for ironically applauding a referee following a draw on the weekend.

The punishment handed down by the disciplinary committee of the Spanish football federation on Wednesday follows Ancelotti ironically applauding referee Carlos Clos Gomez at the end of Saturday's 2-2 draw between Real and Valencia.

This is the first suspension for the Italian coach since he joined Real from Paris Saint-Germain in 2013. He will have to sit in the stands for the last two league matches, away to Espanyol and at home to Getafe.

The draw against Valencia left Real four points behind leaders Barcelona, who now need just three more points to clinch the Liga title.