Bayern lodge Ribery ban appeal

Bayern Munich today lodged their appeal against Franck Ribery’s three-match European ban for his sending-off in the Champions league semi-final first leg against Lyon.

The France winger was red-carded after catching Lisandro Lopez with a high tackle and sat out the second leg, and is also set to miss the final after UEFA’s control and disciplinary body extended the automatic one-match ban to three on Wednesday.

Bayern felt the initial decision by Italian referee Roberto Rosetti to dismiss Ribery was harsh, and immediately gave notice of their intention to appeal the ruling.

Ribery will be accompanied by club directors to a hearing next Wednesday at which he will present his version of events.