Lazio's midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, center, vies for the ball against Fiorentina's midfielder Franck Ribery, left, and defender Dalbert during the Italian Serie A soccer match between ACF Fiorentina and SS Lazio at the Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP)
Former France winger Franck Ribery has been banned on Monday for three league matches after pushing an assistant referee in Fiorentina's 2-1 last-gasp defeat against Lazio.
Ribery was given a red card after pushing the official twice after the game that was held on Sunday.
The Italian league's disciplinary commission announced Monday that Ribery has been banned for three matches and fined 20,000 euros ($22,200) for ``seriously disrespectful behavior toward an assistant referee.''
Both teams disputed some refereeing decisions, including Ciro Immobile's winner a minute from time as there appeared to be a foul in the buildup.
The 36-year-old Ribery had already been angered at being substituted with 15 minutes remaining and the score still 1-1.
Ribery apologized for his actions on Monday with a post on social media.
``I am really sorry about last night, I apologize to my teammates, the coach and the fans,'' the former France international said. ``I apologize to Mr. Passeri, because after the final whistle I was very nervous and disappointed, and I hope he can understand my mood.
``I always want to be on the pitch and to help my teammates, because I came to Florence for this city and this club, and I expect more care for Fiorentina, the same care that is given to other clubs, because of the hard work we put in on a daily basis.''
Ribery will miss the matches against Sassuolo, Parma and Cagliari.
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