Mourinho to appeal after Inter boss is banned for three games over gesture

23 February 2010 10:45
Inter Milan have announced they will appeal against the three-match ban imposed on manager Jose Mourinho as well as the suspensions awarded to Esteban Cambiasso and Sulley Muntari by the Lega Calcio.   [LNB]Mourinho was given the ban and fined 40,000 euros (£35,000) following his handcuffs gesture during Saturday's match with Sampdoria in which two Inter players were sent off.   [LNB]Inter defenders Walter Samuel and Ivan Cordoba both saw red during the goalless draw at the San Siro, prompting Mourinho to cross his arms in a gesture which has been interpreted as his way of suggesting his side were being victimised by officials.   [LNB] Controversial: Mourinho made headlines for the wrong reasons at the weekend [LNB]The suspension applies to Serie A matches meaning he will be banned from the dugout for the games against Udinese, Genoa and Catania as Inter look to maintain their lead at the top of the table.[LNB] However Mourinho can take his place on the touchline for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Chelsea.   [LNB]Muntari and Cambiasso were suspended for two games, the former for insulting match officials while the latter was punished for attempting to punch a Sampdoria player.   [LNB]Samuel and Cordoba were given automatic one-match bans which the club are not contesting.    [LNB]  Owner Massimo Moratti admitted he had not expected such action by the Lega Calcio, saying: 'No, not to this extent.'[LNB]Inter were furious after Saturday's game and no-one was made available to speak to the Italian press.  [LNB] Moratti, though, played down the significance of any media blackout, insisting it was so the players could focus on their Champions League clash against Chelsea.[LNB]'What do you mean by "silent protest?" Moratti added. 'The reason for the press blackout is to protect the team, not to protest.  [LNB] 'We were trying not to add fuel to the polemics, considering that we have an important match to play on Wednesday. It is a respectful press blackout that has been interpreted badly by you journalists.'[LNB] Jose Mourinho is a joke! All of Italy will cheer Chelsea, says Carlo AncelottiDES KELLY: It's Jose vs the world! Italians are fed up with the Inter bossForget Mourinho's mind games! Cech's seen it all before from ex-boss JoseMourinho fined £35,000 and banned for three matches after 'handcuffs' gestureAshley Cole offered Spanish escape route as Barcelona and Real Madrid line up £25m bidsCHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail