Huntelaar banned for six matches

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will miss Schalke’s next six matches after being banned by the German Football Association.

Schalke have confirmed striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will miss the next six Bundesliga matches after being sent off against Hannover on Saturday.

The Netherlands international was sent off with five minutes remaining of their 1-0 victory following a rash challenge on Manuel Schmiedebach.

A straight red card would normally only incur a three-game ban, however Huntelaar’s suspension has been extended after confronting referee Sascha Stegemann having been dismissed.

His ban will mean Roberto Di Matteo has to do without the services for crucial league matches with Bayern Munich, Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund.

Huntelaar will be able to feature in their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie with Real Madrid, but will not play another league game until mid-March.