Madrid launch appeal for José

REAL MADRID have lodged an appeal with UEFA against the five-match touchline ban imposed on their coach Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho’s punishment relates to the ill-tempered Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona at the Bernabeu, when he was sent to the stands and launched into a tirade against Barca in the post-match press conference.

Mourinho has already indicated his intention to take his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if necessary and a statement on the UEFA website yesterday read: “Real Madrid have appealed against the disciplinary verdict handed down to Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.