His former club Atletico Madrid have been hit by a stadium ban for their match with Liverpool in the Champions League as UEFA handed out their heaviest punishment so far for racism.

racist abuse

The Spanish club have been fined 150,000 euros (£120,000) and handed a three-match stadium ban after crowd trouble and racist abuse during the match against French side Marseille earlier this month.

Atletico coach Javier Aguirre has also been banned for his club's home and away fixtures against Liverpool for insulting Marseille players.

UEFA confirmed the sanctions on Tuesday and said the next two Champions League home matches could not be played within 300 kilometres of Madrid.

The third match ban will only be invoked if there is a repeat of crowd trouble or racist chanting within the next five years.