• Champions League

Bayern appeal against Ribery suspension

ESPN staff
April 28, 2010
Franck Ribery has paid a heavy penalty for his foul on Lisandro Lopez © Getty Images
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Bayern Munich have confirmed they will appeal against Franck Ribery's three-match ban, which is set to rule him out of next month's Champions League final.

Ribery was suspended for Tuesday night's return leg - a 3-0 victory - and Bayern had hoped UEFA would restrict the Frenchman's ban to that one match. But European football's governing body enforced a three-match suspension which rules Ribery out the final in Madrid on May 22 and the opening game of next season's European campaign.

"UEFA informed us of the decision, arguing that Franck Ribery was guilty [of serious foul play]. We do not understand this decision in any way and consider it absolutely wrong," read a Bayern statement.

"Franck Ribery can certainly not be accused of violating his opponent intentionally. The player Lisandro Lopez was able to continue the game. Bayern and Franck Ribery will not accept the decision, but appeal and exhaust all possibilities."

Bayern will face either Inter Milan or Barcelona in next month's final at the Bernabeu.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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