Victor Valdes receives four-match ban

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been handed a four-match suspension by the Spanish Football Federation.

The governing body have taken the decision following the Spanish international's verbal rant at referee Miguel Angel Perez Lasa following his side's 2-1 defeat against rivals Real Madrid last weekend.

Valdes was sent off by Lasa after the final whistle - a punishment that would have seen him banned for three games.

However, the 31-year-old will now sit out a further La Liga encounter, according to the club's official website.

Jose Pinto is expected to deputise in Valdes's absence.