PARIS (AP) — The French Football Federation says it has banned midfielder Samir Nasri for three matches because of his behavior toward a journalist at the European Championship.
Nasri issued an expletive-laced rant following France’s 2-0 defeat to Spain in the quarterfinals. He previously made a sarcastic gesture with his finger over his mouth and yelled “Shut your mouth!” at another journalist after scoring in the opening Group D match against England.
He will miss an exhibition against Uruguay next month and 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Finland and Belarus.
Also, Winger Jeremy Menez was given a one-match ban, and winger Hatem Ben Arfa and central midfielder Yann M’Vila received reprimands for their behavior at Euro 2012.
