Inter's Materazzi handed lengthy ban for tunnel punch

Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi has been banned from playing until March 29 for punching Siena defender Bruno Cirillo, the disciplinary panel of the Italian Football League (Lega-Calcio) said.

Inter have also been fined 5,000 euros (6,300 dollars).

The incident occurred in the tunnel after Inter's 4-0 Serie A victory at the San Siro on Sunday.

Materazzi, who was not even in the Inter squad for the match because of an injury, clashed with Cirillo as the players were walking towards the dressing rooms and left him with a split lip.

Cirillo showed his injury to the television cameras after the match.

"He waited for me after the final whistle and punched me, he told RAI TV. "He split my lip with his fist."

Cirillo said Materazzi had been taunting him throughout the game from the dug-out for which the Inter centre-back apologised.

Inter president Giacinto Facchetti has said Materazzi will be fined by the club.