Madrid  - The disciplinary committee of the Spanish football federation announced on Friday evening a suspension of 10 matches for Real Madrid defender Pepe, for his part in the incidents at the end of Tuesday's stormy Real-Getafe clash.

The Portugal international pushed over Getafe's Francisco Casquero for a late penalty, then kicked the veteran midfielder twice whilst he was on the ground, and hit Getafe forward Juan Albin.

Pepe had to be pulled off the field by Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas, and left insulting the match officials.

He will not be able to play in La Liga until late September.

On the other hand, the committee cancelled out the yellow card shown on Tuesday to Real striker Gonzalo Higuain, for diving in the penalty area.

Higuain - who scored the dramatic injury-time winner against Getafe - will thus be allowed to play on Sunday away to Sevilla.

Second-placed Real are six points behind league leaders Barcelona, but a massive 18 points ahead of third-placed Sevilla. (dpa)