The Spanish football association (RFEF) has decided to hand Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo a three-game ban following his red card against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend.

The Portugal international received his marching orders in the 76th minute of Sunday's La Liga encounter after an altercation with Athletic's Ander Iturraspe and Carlos Gurpegui.

Ronaldo consequently risked a suspension that could cover anything from one game to in excess of three and the RFEF has now opted to keep him out of action for three matches.

The attacker was slapped with a one-game ban for the incident with Iturraspe, while getting an additional two games for his offensive gesture after his dismissal.

The 29-year-old will miss the Liga games at home against Villarreal (February 9) and Elche (February 23) as well as the away match versus Getafe (February 16).

However, Ronaldo will be available for both legs of the Copa del Rey semi-final tie against Atletico Madrid, with the first leg to take place at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.