Fiorentina forward Franck Ribery faces lengthy suspension after shove on Serie A assistant referee
The French veteran has been a revelation up front for La Viola this season
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Fiorentina forward Franck Ribery has issued an apology via the club, after being shown a red card for shoving an assistant referee following his side’s defeat against Lazio.
The 36-year-old is likely to face a lengthy ban after the incident on Sunday night, which saw La Viola beaten 2-1 at home after a last-minute goal.
Ciro Immobile scored with a firm header after a cross from Jordan Lukaku, but Fiorentina players were incensed that no free-kick was given their way in the build-up.
The result was a first Serie A defeat in seven games for Fiorentina, who also had Luca Ranieri sent off, and Ribery vented his frustrations after the final whistle.
He was seen on camera in a heated exchange with the assistant and shoved him twice in protest.
Serie A officials have since confirmed that Ribery was shown a red card following the game.
Since joining the club in the summer after departing Bayern Munich, Ribery has excelled in a two-man attack alongside fan favourite Federico Chiesa, who scored Fiorentina’s equaliser in the match – assisted by Ribery. Joaquin Correa had earlier put Lazio ahead.
On Monday, Ribery said via 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.”
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments