A Russian volleyball coach has been handed a three-match ban after making a slant-eyed gesture following a match against South Korea.

Russia women's assistant coach Sergio Busato was pictured smiling while stretching his eyelids with his fingers after the match which had secured his side's place at the next year's Tokyo Olympics.

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) took action after receiving an official complaint from the Korean federation and took the measure to suspend the coach from Russia's next three fixtures.

Sergio Busato was handed a three-match ban by volleyball's governing body for this gesture

In a statement released on Monday, the FIVB Disciplinary Panel announced that Busato had 'violated the FIVB's Disciplinary Regulations.'

As a result, he will miss the first three games of the European Volleyball Championship - which began on Monday.

Russia face Belarus, Switzerland and Germany, matches that Busato will now miss.

The FIVB also warned that they are prepared to re-open proceedings if Busato doesn't adhere to the ban.

Russia's women beat South Korea to secure their place at next year's Olympics in Tokyo

Russia had originally taken the step to ban Busato themselves for two matches and apologised to the Korean federation, however, he will now have to serve the longer suspension.

It is not the only incident this month to have affected volleyball.

Argentina's men's squad came in for criticism after a number of their players were seen performing the same gesture after their victory against China secured their spot in Tokyo next year.