Morocco's Belhanda suspended for final games in France

Morocco's Younes Belhanda has been given a three-match ban and will miss Montpellier's final two games of the French season. The 22-year-old received the ban for his red card in last week's 2-2 draw with Evian after an altercation with DR Congo defender Cedric Mongongu. Montpellier top the table in France, three points ahead of Paris St Germain. The midfielder's 12 goals and four assists have played a big role in his side's bid for a first title. His performances also earned him the award for the best African player in Ligue 1, which he received shortly after learning about his ban. Belhanda is also on the shortlist for French Player of the year and Young Player of the Year. The Moroccan's suspension means he will miss Montpellier's home game against defending champions Lille on Sunday as well as the final Ligue 1 match against struggling Auxerre on 20 May. He will serve out his ban either in the first league game of next season or - if they are crowned French champions - in the Champions Trophy match, a curtain-raiser for the new season. Belhanda had already missed Monday's 2-0 win over Rennes after being given a one-match ban for picking up three bookings in 10 matches.