Juve to Appeal Against 'Harsh' Zidane Ban
Friday 27th October 2000
Juventus are set to appeal against the five-match ban imposed on Zinedine Zidane by Uefa following his Champions' League dismissal, with general manager Luciano Moggi claiming the French star has been harshly treated.
Zidane will miss Juve's crucial Group E clash with Panathinaikos in Athens on November 8, and four other Champions' League games, after being sent off for headbutting Hamburg's Jochen Kientz.
Such a lengthy ban has annoyed Moggi: "I didn't expect a decision like that," he said, "I am very sorry. Zidane's behaviour was not serious enough to justify a five-match ban, even if he did make a mistake.
"Uefa should have considered that Zidane has a good disciplinary record throughout his career. Juventus will immediately appeal."
Coach Carlo Ancelotti was of a similar opinion as he contemplated his side being without the French World Cup winner for most of the next stage of the Champions' League even if they qualify.
"I am sorry Uefa didn't consider what Zidane has done throughout his career," he complained. "He has always played in the right spirit.
"Hopefully, Zidane's ban will be an incentive for the rest of the squad and will give a spur to Zidane so when he comes back, he leads Juventus to victory in Italy and abroad."
Uefa also fined Juventus �7,500 for the conduct of the team and fans during the ill-tempered match with Hamburg.
