Kenya international McDonald Mariga received a five-match Serie B ban for squeezing a referee’s hand so hard it drew blood.

The former Inter, Parma, Real Sociedad and Helsingborgs IF midfielder is currently at Latina.

He was sent off in the second half of a game against Virtus Entella at the weekend.

Before leaving the pitch, Mariga went to shake the referee’s right hand, but then squeezed it so hard that it caused an abrasion, drawing blood.

At the same time, according to the Disciplinary Commission’s report, the 29-year-old continued to heap insults on to the official.

The unusual incident has been punished with a five-match ban, ruling him out of action for the rest of the season.

Mariga moved to Latina in January and has made 13 appearances in Serie B but, he will be unavailable when the 17th placed club face Spezia on Saturday.

The 29-year-old also had stints playing in Spain and Sweden for Real Sociedad and Helsingborgs respectively, and has played on the international stage since 2007.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com