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Girona defender David Lopez will miss four matches after he was suspended by the Spanish football federation Tuesday for complaining about a referee.

The centre-back said referee Miguel Angel Ortiz Arias "lacked respect" for his team and "insulted" them, when speaking on television at half-time in a 5-2 win over Almeria in La Liga on October 22.

Lopez subsequently apologised, saying he had "total regret" for his comments, but now misses league matches against Almeria and Sevilla, as well as the Copa del Rey last 16 clash with Rayo Vallecano, and potentially the cup quarter-final or another La Liga match.

Girona have the right to appeal the ban in the next 10 days.

Shock Spanish title contenders Girona are level with leaders Real Madrid on 48 points after 19 games, at the half-way point of the campaign.