Inter Milan will appeal the three-match ban imposed on Jose
Mourinho as well as the suspensions awarded to Esteban Cambiasso
and Sulley Muntari.
Mourinho has been 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.
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.
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.
However Mourinho can take his place on the touchline for
Wednesday's Champions League clash with Chelsea.
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.
Samuel and Cordoba were given automatic one-match bans which
the club are not contesting.
Owner Massimo Moratti admitted he had not expected such
action by the Lega Calcio, saying: "No, not to this extent."
Inter were furious after Saturday's game and no-one was made
available to speak to the Italian press.
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 tomorrow.
"What do you mean by 'silent protest'?" Moratti added.
"The reason for the press blackout is to protect the team,
not to protest.
"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."
