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Ex-Juventus star Felipe Melo banned for punching opponent

Xinhua, May 13, 2017 Adjust font size:

Former Brazil international midfielder Felipe Melo has been banned for six matches for violent conduct during a Copa Libertadores match between Brazilian side Palmeiras and Uruguay's Penarol.

South American football governing body CONMEBOL had already given the former Juventus and Internazionale player a provisional three-game ban for his part in a post-match brawl during their group match at Campeon del Siglo stadium in Montevideo.

Television cameras captured Melo punching Penarol midfielder Matias Mier in the head as officials lost control of proceedings.

The ban means Melo will only be eligible to feature again in this year's Copa Libertadores if Palmeiras reach the semifinals of South America's top club competition.

Conmebol also fined the 33-year-old 10,000 US dollars.

Media reports in Uruguay said Penarol's Lucas Hernandez, Nahitan Nandez and Matias Mier were also banned for five matches and handed 10,000-dollar fines.

Both clubs have seven days to appeal against the decisions. Endit