Ronaldo could face 12 games ban for pushing the referee in Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Barcelona

For pushing referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea during Real Madrid's 3-1 win over Barcelona, Cristiano Ronaldo's could be suspended up to 12 games.

Ronaldo shoved the referee in frustration after he was sent off for a second bookable offence, earned for simulation when he went down in the Barcelona penalty area under a challenge from Samuel Umtiti.

And the shove could see Ronaldo spending a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with the Spanish rulebook stating that a player can receive a ban lasting anywhere between four to 12 matches for pushing a referee.

According to Dailymail, Article 96 of the rulebook applies to players who 'grab, push or shake' a referee in a 'slightly violent manner' and recommends a four to 12 game suspension for such offences.

De Burgos Bengoetxea noted the push in his official match report from first leg of the Spanish Super Cup, writing: 'Once the red card was shown, the player pushed me slightly in a sign of disagreement'.

Las Palmas striker Marko Livaja was handed a five-game ban by La Liga for a similar incident back in April, one match for the red card and an additional four for pushing the referee.

Sergio Ramos suggested the club would appeal Ronaldo's second booking and said his team-mate was not attempting to con the referee when he went to ground under Umtiti's challenge.

Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane also hinted Madrid will appeal, saying he hoped to have Ronaldo available for Wednesday's second leg at the Bernabeu.

Should Ronaldo receive a total ban of five or more games it would apply to all Spanish competitions including La Liga. However, if Ronaldo's total ban lasts four or less matches it would only apply to Spanish Super Cup matches.

~DailymailUK