Meireles hit with 11-game ban

Fenerbahce midfielder Raul Meireles has been slapped with an 11-match suspension by the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).

The former Chelsea man was handed the sentence for spitting at a referee after he was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence during his side's 2-1 defeat to Galatasaray.

The Portuguese midfielder initially denied the allegation, and continued to plead his case that the referee had made a mistake in giving him a red card in the first place.

It was originally thought that Meireles could be suspended for up to seven matches, however, the TFF have decided on a lengthier ban of 11 matches.

The 29-year-old moved to the Turkish giants over the summer from Chelsea and has been a regular in the side since, making 10 Super Lig appearances this season, scoring once.