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Liverpool winger Lazar Markovic has been banned for four European matches after being sent off in their Champions League match against Basel, according to a UEFA document. The Serbia international was dismissed during the 1-1 draw, which saw the Reds eliminated from the competition, after he was ruled to have struck Behrang Safari in the face. Markovic was certain to receive at least a one-match ban for the offence, as red cards in European games can only be challenged on the basis of mistaken identity. But a UEFA disciplinary committee has seemingly decided that the incident involving the midfielder -- who was sent off while playing for Benfica against Juventus in last season's Europa League semifinal second leg -- was worthy of a longer ban. Neither Liverpool nor UEFA have confirmed the suspension via a statement, although an official announcement is expected on Thursday. It means that the 20-year-old will miss both legs of Liverpool's round-of-32 tie against Besiktas in February, as well as the two matches in the round-of-16 tie if they beat the Turkish side. Markovic responded to the ban with bemusement, tweeting: "4?"
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