Lazio defender Patric banned for four matches for biting

Lazio’s Spanish full-back Patric has been banned for four matches for biting rival player Giulio Donati during Tuesday’s Serie A match.

Serie A’s disciplinary tribunal said on Wednesday that the Spaniard, who was also fined 10,000 euros ($11,338), had “bitten the arm of an opponent in the 48th minute of the second half without causing injury” during Lecce’s 2-1 win.

Patric was given a straight red card after the incident was spotted by the VAR officials.

“I apologise for the my behaviour. I was not in a lucid state,” said Patric on Instagram.

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Donati said he accepted the apology: “These are things that can happen in times of high tension but when one understands the mistake and apologises, it stays on the pitch without hard feelings.”

Patric’s absence is another blow for second-placed Lazio who have suffered series of injuries and suspensions since the restart of the season and have dropped seven points behind leaders Juventus with seven matches to play.