Franck Ribéry is in danger of missing the Champions League final, after UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body handed the France superstar a three-game suspension for alleged violent conduct in the first leg of Bayern’s semi-final against Lyon. The disciplinary panel issued its verdict on the day after FCB booked a place at the Bernabeu in Madrid on 22 May, Munich’s first appearance in the final of Europe’s elite club competition since 2001.
Ribery was shown a straight red card for a mistimed but clearly non-malicious tackle on Lisandro Lopez during Bayern’s 1-0 win over Olympique at the Allianz Arena on 21 April, automatically ruling him out of the return at Stade de Gerland. As well as the final in Madrid, Ribéry will miss his club’s subsequent match in UEFA club competition.
The club issued the following statement in response to the verdict:
In detailing the reasons for their verdict from a jurisdictional point of view, UEFA said Ribéry was guilty of violent conduct. FC Bayern cannot accept this verdict in any sense and holds that it is entirely false.
The accusation of violent conduct is inapplicable in this case. Ribéry certainly cannot be accused of intentionally attempting to injure his opponent. The player in question, Lisandro Lopez (Olympique Lyon), was able to continue the match uninjured.
FC Bayern and Franck Ribéry cannot accept the verdict and will lodge an appeal, using all legal remedies at the club’s disposal.
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