The former most-expensive player in the world Gareth Bale could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after it was revealed that the Welshman is facing a staggering 12-match ban following recent antics for Real Madrid.
Bale was said to have made a provocative gesture after scoring a goal - his 100th for the club - in the Madrid Derby against city rivals Atletico, raising his bent right arm and slapping it with his other hand; something that is deemed offensive in Spain. Real won the game 3-1.
Now, his actions in celebrating his century may have further repercussions. A statement offered by a La Liga committee chaired by Javier Tebas offers more insight into the limit of the possible sanctions;
"In the celebration of Bale's goal, he waves his right arm to the proximity of his head, in a predictable sign of encouraging provocation to the public, subsequently making a gesture of possible obscene and contemptuous meaning, raising the bent arm and hitting the middle of it with the other hand.
"The possible sanctions for these provocations vary.
"If it occurs, the offender will be sanctioned with suspension of four to twelve games, if the animosity of the public, the suspension will be from one to three parties or for a period of up to one month."
Twelve La Liga matches would put the forward out well to the end of the season, with the last likely returns against Villarreal, Real Sociedad, and Real Betis - currently their final fixtures of the domestic season.
With Los Blancos having done well to go within six points of league leaders Barcelona after an awful start under Julen Lopetegui, Bale’s absence may be detrimental to Real Madrid’s chances of prising the title away from the blaugrana.
Gareth Bale has been a Real Madrid since 2014 after completing an eye-popping £86million (€100m) move from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.
