SAO PAULO -- A Brazilian sports tribunal has suspended Palmeiras forward Dudu for six months for shoving a referee during the Sao Paulo state championship this month.
Dudu used his forearms to shove referee Guilherme Ceretta de Lima from behind after being shown a red card in the second leg of the state final on May 3. Santos striker Geovanio also was sent off as both players got tangled while fighting for a ball inside the area.
Palmeiras is expected to appeal Monday's ruling. Last year, Corinthians midfielder Petros also received a six-month suspension for shoving a referee, but it was later reduced to three matches.
Dudu was one of Palmeiras' top signings this season after being coveted by city rivals Corinthians and Sao Paulo.
Palmeiras drew its first two Brazilian league matches.