Real launch Ruud red-card appeal
Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Real Madrid have decided to launch an appeal after Ruud van Nistelrooy was controversially sent off in the 2-1 derby win at Atletico Madrid.

The Netherlands international had opened the scoring in the first 60 seconds of the derby clash but was dismissed ten minutes before half-time for a rash challenge on Atletico's Portuguese midfielder Maniche.

However, Real are adamant that the former Manchester United striker should only have been booked for the challenge.

If van Nistelrooy wins his appeal, he will be available for the match against Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabeu.

However, the Spanish league's disciplinary forum have the power to increase the automatic one-match ban if they feel the appeal is unjustified.

Meanwhile, reports suggest Atletico's Mexican coach Javier Aguirre is close to losing his job.

The derby loss to Real was Atletico's fourth defeat in seven La Liga matches so far this season and came only a fortnight after they had been thrashed 6-1 by Barcelona.

Aguirre's side have won both of their Champions League Group D matches, but it has been suggested that, if Atletico lose to Liverpool this week, the Mexican will be axed.

However, Atletico's Netherlands international John Heitinga has backed Aguirre, saying: "He is a good coach. He has already been at the club for three years and he is doing good work."

At Barcelona, midfielder Yaya Toure insists he is happy to remain at the Camp Nou despite recent speculation linking him with moves to Arsenal and Juventus.

The Ivory Coast international has been used sparingly by Barca coach Pep Guardiola so far this season, but an injury to Seydou Keita could give the 25-year-old the chance to re-establish himself in the starting line-up.

Toure said: "I am satisfied at Barca and I will continue fight to take advantage of the opportunities that the coach will give me."

Toure's agent, Dimitri Selluck added: "He does not have any problems with Barcelona. The only thing that he wants is to play football regularly."

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