Mohun Bagan ace Baichung Bhutia was suspended for three matches of the Kolkata Super Division football league for arguing with the referee and refusing to leave the field after being shown the red card during the match against archrivals East Bengal on September 26.

The decision to suspend the former India skipper was taken by the governing body of the Indian Football Association in Kolkata on Wednesday following recommendation from the association's Disciplinary Committee.

Bhutia was also slapped a fine of Rs 50,000. Should he fail to pay the amount he will be automatically suspended for two matches in next year's Super Division.

The three-match suspension means that Bhutia will not be able to play Bagan's last three matches in the league.

The IFA also directed two Bagan officials, cashier Debashis Dutta and physio Robson, not to enter the fencing area for one match as they had also entered the playing arena during the September 26 fracas.