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Spanish referee Javier Alberola who clipped Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata on the back of the head banned for two games

The on-loan Atletico Madrid striker felt contact around the back of his neck from the 27-year-old official during the win over Eibar

The referee who appeared to clip Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata on the back of the head has been banned for two games.

Javier Alberola was involved in a skirmish with the on-loan Atletico Madrid striker during the La Liga victory over Eibar.

 Alvaro Morata had to be restrained at the full time whistle against Eibar
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Alvaro Morata had to be restrained at the full time whistle against Eibar

As a result, Morata was left incensed after the official made contact with his neck in the closing stages.

At the full-time whistle, the Spain international attempted to confront the 27-year-old but was held back by teammates.

Despite Alberola insisting the contact was innocent, the Spanish FA decided to axe him from selection for the next two rounds of matches in the top flight.

After the match on Sunday, Atletico manager Diego Simeone leapt to the defence of Morata.

 Javier Alberola will now miss two La Liga games
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Javier Alberola will now miss two La Liga games

He said: "Morata was not happy. In fact, he was annoyed.

"That action reminded me when I was banned for four games when I did something similar to the fourth official."

Atleti team-mate Koke added: "I had never seen a referee do something like that.

"He (Morata) felt a clip around the back of the neck and got annoyed at the referee. He is only human.

"If the referee made a mistake it will have to be looked upon. I do not know if the should be sanctioned; that is for others to decide.

"But one thing certain is that the incident has to be looked at."

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