Former Chelsea midfielder Raul Meireles who now plies his trade with Turkish outfit Fernerbahce, has been hit with an 11 match ban after he reportedly spat on a referee over the weekend.
The incident is reported to have occurred during their Turkish league match against rivals Galatasaray on Sunday 16 December 2012 where his side succumbed to a 2-1 loss.
The 29-year old Portuguese international was initially handed a seven match ban but the Turkish Football Federation [TFF] after reviewing the evidence, increased the punishment by adding four more matches into his ban.
This disgraceful action will see him sidelined until late March 2013 which will be a big blow to his club who are ranked second in the Turkish League five points adrift leaders Galatasaray who are the reigning Turkish Champions.
The Portuguese international has scored one goal for Fenerbahce since his move from West London club Chelsea over the summer, after he played a key role in their Champions League winning team.