Fiorentina are preparing an appeal for the four-match ban handed to Spanish midfielder Borja Valero and the one-match ban levied against coach Vincenzo Montella for actions during the club’s 2-2 draw at Parma Monday night.
Valero’s punishment was for the use of excessive force against Gianni Muntari and for pushing the referee in an altercation during stoppage time, while Montella’s suspension stems from an insulting remark made to the fourth official as the Viola technician exited the pitch toward the locker room.
Sky Sport Italia reported today the Florence club is appealing both decisions in hopes of reducing the bans.
For his part in the stoppage time scrum, Muntari received a one-match ban.
The Viola face a critical point in the season as they try to catch Napoli for the last Champions League position. The squad is already without injured striker Giuseppi Rossi and will miss defender Mobido Diakite and midfielder David Pizarro for their next Serie A match due to suspension.
Fiorentina currently sit just outside a Champions League spot in fourth place, six points behind Napoli. The squad’s next four matches are against Lazio, Juventus, Chievo and Napoli.
