KOLKATA: Mohun Bagan star Bhaichung Bhutia was on Wednesday suspended for three matches of the Super Division soccer league for arguing with the referee and refusing to leave the field after he was shown red card during a match against archrivals East Bengal last month.
 
The decision to suspend Bhutia, former Indian skipper, was taken by the governing body of the Indian Football Association here on Wednesday on recommendation of disciplinary committee of the association.
 
Bhutia was handed out a fine of Rs 50,000 and if he fails to pay the amount he will be suspended for two matches of next year's Super Division soccer league.
    
The three-match suspension means that Bhutia would not be able to play the remaining three matches of Bagan in this year's league.
 
The punishment was handed for Bhutia's refusal to leave the field and arguing with referee after he was shown red card during the match against East Bengal on September 26.
 
The association also directed Bagan officials, cashier Debashis Dutta and physio Robson, not to enter the fencing area in one match as they had also entered the playing arena during the September 26 fracas.