Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been suspended for two matches and fined $845 for his sending-off in Sunday's 2-0 La Liga win over Malaga, the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) said Tuesday. The Portuguese netted a first-half double at the Bernabeu but was shown a straight red card in the 70th minute for lashing out at Patrick Mtiliga and breaking the Malaga defender's nose. Real, which had asked for the card to be rescinded, is likely to appeal against the ruling but if that is rejected Ronaldo will miss Saturday's trip to Deportivo Coruna and the home game against Espanyol the following weekend. The RFEF's disciplinary committee decided his behavior was not wilful or reckless, which would have meant a longer suspension, but that he had been guilty of dangerous play. Real was also fined 180 euros, the RFEF said on their website. Ronaldo apologized to Mtiliga immediately after Sunday's game but said the red card was “a disgrace”. Juve fans banned Juventus fans have been banned from attending the Italian Cup match at Inter Milan Thursday following several race-related incidents involving supporters in games between the teams. Milan prefect Gian Valerio Lombardi made the decision Tuesday to close the away section of San Siro stadium for the match. Juventus supporters recently sang racist songs and displayed racist banners toward Inter striker Mario Balotelli, who is of Ghanaian descent. United swoop for Smalling Manchester United has agreed to sign central defender Chris Smalling from Premier League rivals Fulham, the English champion announced Tuesday. Premier League leader United said the 20-year-old Smalling would join up at Old Trafford from the start of the 2010-11 season, meaning he'd spend the rest of the current campaign with London club Fulham. Ferdinand charged Rio Ferdinand was left facing the prospect of a three-match ban after being charged with violent conduct Tuesday by the Football Association. The Manchester United defender faces disciplinary action after clashing with Hull forward Craig Fagan during the second half of Saturday's 4-0 Premier League victory at Old Trafford that saw champion United return to the top of the table.
