MILAN. Dec 31: Inter-nazionale and England midfielder Pau) Ince was given a tour match ban on Monday for protesting with foul language and abusive gestures after he was sent off in an Italian league match, reports Reuter.

Ince, picking up his third red card of the season, was sent off during Inter's II draw with bottom club Reggiuna on December 22 after being hooked by referee Stefano Farina.

The Serie A sporting judge said in a report, details of which were released by the Italian soccer league, that Ince had been given the ban because of his behaviour.

The report said Ince had applauded the referee mockingly after being booked, a gesture that brought him a red card and which prompted 'vulgar and offensive language "

It added that luce, encouraged to leave the pitch by his teammates, then repeatedly tapped his forehead with his index finger In front of another match official.

The player also "shouted further abuse while making an unmistakable gesture with his hand" from the t unnel.

Inter striker Marco Branca, who was sent off in the 30th minute of the match, was also suspended for one day — leaving Inter without two key players for their first league match of the new year at home to Roma. Branca's former club.

The lengthy suspension of Ince was also sure to heighten speculation about the player's future In Italy.

Italian newspapers picking up English media reports, on Monday ran stories suggesting that Ince, who lias been the target of some racist abuse in Italy, was thinking of returning to English soccer at the end of the Italian season.