Mauricio Pinilla given five-game ban for slapping referee

Genoa forward Mauricio Pinilla [PHOTO: COURTESY]

Genoa forward Mauricio Pinilla has been banned for five games after slapping referee Claudio Gavillucci.

A statement from Serie A's disciplinary body said Pinilla used insulting language against the referee, as well as showing an offensive gesture, before slapping the official.

"After receiving notice of his expulsion, Pinilla approached the referee with a threatening and intimidating attitude, was barely restrained by teammates and opponents, striking the referee with slaps on his arm and on his right hand and giving him also threatening expressions," it read.