Mexes hit with three-match ban for referee insult

      ROME (AFP) - France defender Philippe Mexes has been hit with a three-match ban for insulting a referee following his sending off against Siena on Ocotber 5.

      Mexes was shown two yellow cards during AS Roma's 1-0 defeat and according to the Italian body for sporting justice he aimed a "bad insult" at referee Andrea De Marco as he left the pitch.

      The centre-back will miss Roma's crucial clash against champions Inter Milan on Sunday as well as a trip to Udinese and a home match against Sampdoria.