Declan Rice handed two-game European ban for referee comments

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has been handed a two-game ban for his comments about the referee following his side's defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on May 5.

The 23-year-old was unhappy with Jesus Gil Manzano's performance in West Ham's 1-0 defeat to the Bundesliga side at the Commerzbank Arena in their Europa League semi-final second leg.

Aaron Cresswell saw red for the Hammers inside 19 minutes for a professional foul as the last man, a decision that West Ham hugely disagreed with, as well as numerous decisions during the game.

Manager David Moyes also saw red later on in the encounter for kicking a ball at a ballboy in frustration, with the game finishing 1-0 to Frankfurt on the night, and 3-1 on aggregate.

Rice reacted angrily after the final whistle and was caught on video accusing the referee of 'corruption' and that 'he had been paid'.

As a result of those comments, UEFA announced on Friday that the England international has been suspended for two European games, which will take effect when West Ham kick off their Europa Conference League campaign in the 2022-23 season.

Meanwhile, UEFA also announced that Moyes will serve a one-match suspension as a result of his antics that led to his red card back in May, which will be served on August 18, when West Ham are due to kick off the first leg of their qualification playoff.