Mourinho was handed the punishment today following his dismissal during his side's 5-1 Copa del Rey win over Real Murcia on Wednesday.

The former Inter Milan boss was sent from the dugout in the 38th minute for protesting too much to referee Jose Luis Paradas Romero.

He revealed he would apologise to the official when he next saw him.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have banned the Portuguese for two matches, meaning he will be absent from the dugout for this Sunday's Primera Division trip to Sporting Gijon and the following Saturday's clash with Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabeu.

A statement on Madrid's official website read: "According to the committee, Mourinho was sanctioned 'for formulating observations about the referee' and he has been suspended for the Sporting and Athletic matches 'for addressing the referee with disrespectful vocabulary - Article 117-'."

Barring a successful appeal, Mourinho will return to the dug-out for Madrid's clash with bitter rivals Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Monday, November 29.

Mourinho took the news in his stride, saying: "There is no problem. It is better that it is me who is sanctioned than an important player.

"Football is full of situations in which control gets lost. The game against Murcia was very easy to referee but I do not want to apologise. I have to accept my errors. When I see Paradas Romero again I will apologise to him."

Madrid, meanwhile, have appointed Zinedine Zidane as a presidential advisor to the first team.

The former France captain has acted as a special advisor to president Florentino Perez since last summer, but will now take on a more hands-on role, especially for Champions League matches.

The former World Cup winner will be on hand to assist Perez and Mourinho and will have regular contact with the first team.

He will also take part in training sessions and meetings with Mourinho ahead of Champions League games.

A Madrid statement read: "The reasoning for his appointment is to assist in optimising first-team working conditions.

"Zidane will be readily available to the president and coach for all matters concerning Real Madrid's first team, with whom he will keep in frequent contact.

"The former player will participate in Champions League events and functions. He will also travel with the team on a regular basis for said competition and will participate in the pre-match gatherings, training sessions and meetings with the head coach."

Zidane spent five seasons at Madrid between 2001 and 2006, scoring a memorable volleyed winner in their Champions League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen in 2002.