New Almeria coach Pepe Mel has slammed the four-match ban for midfielder Gonzalo Melero.

Melero has been handed the suspension after claiming they were "robbed" after defeat to Real Madrid.

Mel wasn't in charge at the time, but said of the ban: “It is curious that in the Congress of Deputies they give birth and we do not have that freedom of expression.

"I think he was naïve, but that's the way the rules are, and we know that our work can be harmed if we speak up. (There is) zero freedom of speech.

“At this time, the precautionary measure for Melero has not arrived, so he is sanctioned."