Ex-Real Madrid star Pepe faces two-year ban from football for physical assault

Pepe, a Porto FC centre back, might face a two-year suspension for kicking a Sporting Lisbon director during a confrontation.
After a tense quarrel involving Pepe, Porto’s match against Portuguese rivals Sporting ended in ugly scenes on Friday, February 11th. Four players were sent off after the game.
After the game ended 2-2, Joao Palhinha, Bruno Tabata, and Marchesin all joined the former Real Madrid defender in being sent off in the altercation that involving 40 men.

Pepe, though, could face the harshest punishment, according to claims in the Portuguese publication A Bola, who claim that referee Joao Pinheiro’s report states that Pepe kicked a Sporting director.
The director in issue is not named in the report, but according to article 145 of the League of Clubs’ Disciplinary Regulation, this is a “very serious disciplinary offence” that can result in a ban of two months to two years.
Given that Pepe will turn 39 years old later this month, a lengthy suspension may spell the end of his career.

Sports News