Ribery Gets Three -Match Ban For Pushing Linesman

By Bimbo Ogunnaike with agency report

Franck Ribery got a three-match ban Monday for pushing a linesman after Lazio’s winning goal in a 2-1 home defeat at Fiorentina Sunday.

The veteran Frenchman was protesting an alleged foul by Romelu Lukaku on a Fiorentina player early in Lazio’s winning move. The former Bayern Munich and Marseille star, 36, was penalised for “gravely disrespectful conduct towards an assistant referee.

Ribery, who was also fined 20,000 euros for his misconduct, was thought could be facing a lengthy suspension following the incident, but a disciplinary committee felt his actions were not violent and he now faces the statutory ban for a red card offence.

Fiorentina were beaten 2-1 at home by Ciro Immobile’s last-minute goal in the Serie A clash.

Moments before, La Viola felt they should have been awarded a free-kick for a foul, but the referee waved play on and Ribery let his frustrations be known after the final whistle.

He was seen on camera in a heated exchange with the assistant referee, who was forcefully shoved twice as Ribery protested. He was shown a red card following the game.

Ribery earlier apologised for his actions, posting on Twitter: “I apologise to my teammates, the coach, the fans. I apologise to (assistant referee) Mr. Passieri.

“I was very upset and sad after the end of the match. I hope he can understand my state of mind.”