Paris Saint-Germain will appeal Dani Alves’ three-match ban with a suspended sentence of an additional game after his sending off against Lyon, a source close to the club has told ESPN FC.
Alves saw red after 57 minutes at Groupama Stadium after clashing with referee Clement Turpin during the second half of last Sunday’s 2-1 defeat away at Lyon when he appeared to be set to receive just a yellow card but changed the Frenchman’s mind with what was deemed aggressive protestation.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel hit the Brazil international with a hefty suspension and, according to the source, PSG feel that the punishment was too severe and hope that the 34-year-old right-back’s sentence will ultimately be reduced.
Marco Verratti got involved after Alves had been dismissed but did not receive a booking until he was cautioned 13 minutes from the end of the game.
Alves, who joined PSG on a free transfer from Italian giants Juventus last summer and has largely been a success so far at Parc des Princes, has already served one of three matches of suspension in the 4-2 Coupe de France win over Guingamp on Wednesday.
As things stand, until PSG have submitted the appeal and a decision has been made over Alves’ ban, he will miss Saturday’s Ligue 1 clash with Montpellier and next week’s Coupe de la Ligue trip to Rennes — handing Thomas Meunier a chance to string together consecutive starts.
Jonathan Johnson covers PSG and the French national team for ESPN FC. Twitter: @Jon_LeGossip.