Philippe Mexes: AC Milan defender gets four-game ban

AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes has been given a four-game ban for grabbing Lazio captain Stefano Mauri by the throat during a Serie A match.

France international Mexes, 32, was sent off following Saturday's incident - the 16th red card of his career.

Mexes reacted angrily after being tripped by Mauri and minutes later had to be restrained by team-mates.

The former Auxerre and Roma player was sent off but had to be dragged away from Mauri and pushed off the field.

Mexes has already apologised, adding: "These things should not happen out on a football pitch. I have children and this is not the sort of example that a father should set."

Milan lost the game 3-1.

Mexes was sent off in stoppage time of the 3-1 defeat

AC Milan's players tried to restrain Mexes but struggled to contain the angry defender

Mexes saw red during a game which resulted in a third loss for AC Milan in five league games

Mexes initially grabbed Mauri by the throat before grabbing him from behind

AC Milan's Riccardo Montolivo (right) struggled to pull Mexes away from Mauri

Mexes confronted Mauri immediately after the referee had sent him off

French defender Mexes was sent off for grabbing Lazio captain Mauri by the throat

After being pulled away from Mauri, Mexes then grabbed the throat of Lazio's Lorik Cana