Chile’s Jara banned for remainder of Copa America

Uruguay's Edinson Cavani, left, argues with Chile's Gonzalo Jara. (Ricardo Mazalan/AP)

SANTIAGO, Chile — Chilean defender Gonzalo Jara has been banned from the remainder of the Copa America for provoking Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani in a quarterfinal match.

The three-game ban handed down Sunday by South America’s governing body rules out Jara from Monday’s semifinal against Peru.

Jara came up behind Cavani in Wednesday’s match and pushed his finger into Cavani’s rear. Cavani reacted and raised his hand toward Jara’s head, with the Chilean feigning an injury and collapsing on the pitch.

The match referee missed Jara’s gesture and sent off Cavani. Chile defeated Uruguay 1-0 to advance.

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