MILAN (Reuters) - AC Milan forward Gonzalo Higuain missed a penalty and was later sent off in a fit of rage on Sunday as his side lost 2-0 at home to leaders Juventus, the side that sent him out on loan to the San Siro this season.
Mario Mandzukic and Cristiano Ronaldo struck early and late for the Turin side but it was Higuain who stole the headlines for the wrong reasons.
The Argentine, who reluctantly left Juventus shortly after they signed Ronaldo from Real Madrid, was livid after the Juve defender Medhi Benatia clattered into him and was booked for his protests in the 83rd minute.
That angered him even more and he was sent off, having had to be restrained by his team mates as he ranted at the referee.
Juve took an eighth minute lead when Alex Sandro floated a long cross from the left and Mandzukic outjumped Ricardo Rodriguez to score.
AC Milan were handed a chance to level five minutes before halftime after Suso's cross was controlled by Higuain but hit Benatia's outstretched hand.
Milan protested and the referee awarded a penalty after consulting the VAR and viewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.
But Higuain's penalty was weak and Wojciech Szczesny tipped it onto the post.
Ronaldo wrapped up the match with an opportunist goal in the 81st minute before Higuain lost his cool completely.
Unbeaten Juventus now have 34 points, six clear of Napoli who won 2-1 at Genoa on Saturday. Milan's defeat meant they dropped out of the top four into fifth place and were replaced by Lazio, who drew 1-1 at Sassuolo.
(Writing by Brian Homewood; Editing by Ian Chadband)