Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery will plead his case to UEFA next week as he looks to have his Champions League ban overturned in order to face Inter Milan in the final in Madrid on Saturday May 22 (Bayern 9/4, draw 9/4, Inter evens – 90 Minutes).

The France winger was sent off in the first leg of the semi-final against Lyon following a strong challange on Lisandro Lopez which saw him earn a straight red card from referee Roberto Rosetti.

UEFA subsequently handed Ribery a three-game ban rather than the automatic one-match suspension which ruled him out of the return leg against Lyon in France plus the final and the opening game in the tournament next season.

Bayern have now appealed the decision as they look for one of their best players to be available for the game against Inter, the conquerors of reigning European champions Barcelona.

A club statement read: “In detailing the reasons for their verdict from a jurisdictional point of view, UEFA said Ribery was guilty of assault. FC Bayern cannot accept this verdict in any sense and holds that it is entirely false.

“The accusation of assault is inapplicable in this case. Ribery 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 Ribery cannot accept the verdict and will lodge an appeal, using all legal remedies at the club’s disposal.”

Whether or not Bayern’s appeal is successful remains to be seen, but for now boss Louis van Gaal admits he is glad to be facing Inter rather than Barca, who were looking to become the first side to retain the Champions League.

He told the club’s website: “We have a little bit more of a chance against Inter than against Barcelona.

“Inter are not as attacking as Barcelona. In a final, we’re capable of beating anyone.”

Inter also had a player sent off at the semi-final stage of the competition in Thiago Motta following a tangle with Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets at the Nou Camp.

The Brazilian is now calling for Busquets to be punished by European football’s governing body.

Motta said: “I have seen the television pictures of how he looks up to see what action the referee is going to take and then continues rolling over.

“It is not the first time he has done it and UEFA should really do something about it.”

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