Benfica defender Luisao suspended for 2 months

Luisao has been with Benfica since 2003.

Jon Super/AP

LISBON, Portugal (AP) -- Benfica defender Luisao has been suspended for two months by the Portuguese Football Federation after he clashed with a referee during a preseason friendly.

The Brazil international will miss four Champions League matches - against Barcelona, Celtic and Spartak Moscow - as well as six Portuguese league games and a Portuguese Cup match following Friday's decision.

Luisao appeared to collide with the referee, knocking him to the ground, as he ran up to him during an argument over a decision in an Aug. 11 game at Fortuna Duesseldorf.

The player and his club argued that the collision was unintentional, but the referee lodged a formal complaint.

The federation's disciplinary committee also fined Luisao ?2,550 ($3,300). He is entitled to appeal.

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