Lazio players banned following protests

Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti has been banned for four matches and the Roman club's defender Andre Dias for three games for post-match protests.

The bans could be costly, with Lazio in the middle of a tight race for third place and the final Champions League berth - with only three rounds remaining.

In a 2-0 loss at Udinese on Sunday, Roberto Pereya scored into an empty net in the 90th minute after Marchetti had dropped to the ground, mistakenly thinking he had heard the final whistle.

A whistle was blown - possibly in the stands - but replays showed that referee Mauro Bergonzi clearly indicated it wasn't his.

Marchetti pushed Bergonzi in a heated argument, while Dias protested to the fourth official.

Lazio was also fined ?20,000 ($26,000).