Cuban soccer coach Raul Valentin given 5 game ban for racist remarks aimed at referee

MIAMI (AP)_ Cuban national team coach Raul Valentin has been suspended five games and fined by CONCACAF for racist behaviour during and after a match against Venezuela on Nov. 23 at the Central American and Caribbean Games.

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football said Monday that Valentin directed offensive and racist language at the referee in the 83rd minute and again after the game, which ended in a 0-0 tie. The match report lists the referee as Valdin Legister of Jamaica.

CONCACAF said the day after the game that Valentin had been suspended but did not specify a length. The regional governing body said Monday he has served two games of the penalty, and the remainder will be served during upcoming exhibition games.