Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino has been handed a two-match Champions League ban for violent conduct.
The forward was sent-off as half-time approached when the Viola met Olympique Lyonnais in Matchday 1. He appeared to swing an elbow at home player Jeremy Toulalan, though supporters have questioned the intent in his action.
The decision means he will miss crucial matches against Liverpool at home next week and Hungarian side Debrecen two weeks later, kicking a further dent in the Viola's Champions League hopes after they lost 1-0 in France.
A statement on the club's official website reads, "UEFA's disciplinary commission has given Alberto Gilardino a two-match suspension after his sending off against Lyon. The player will be able to play on November 4 at the Artemio Franchi against Debrecen."
The decision will come as a major blow to coach Cesare Prandelli, who loses his star striker.
Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com
