Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 6y

Bayer Leverkusen's Karim Bellarabi hit with four-match ban for Rafinha foul

Bayer Leverkusen winger Karim Bellarabi has been hit with a four-match ban and €10,000 fine following his foul on Bayern Munich's Rafinha.

The Germany international was sent off for his foul on the Bayern full-back, who suffered a partial tear of ligaments in his left ankle, as the Bavarians beat Leverkusen 3-1 at the weekend.

After the match, which also saw Bayern lose Corentin Tolisso to a cruciate ligament injury, Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness called for a "three month ban for stupidity."

Speaking to reporters at Munich airport ahead of Bayern's Champions League trip to Benfica, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge demanded more protection for Bayern players in Bundesliga.

"What we all dislike is the way teams play against us. This is something which must be stopped somehow," the Bayern CEO said. "It's up to the German FA and especially the referees to protect our players.

"Otherwise we'll run out of 11 players by matchday 10. Here's a reminder: We have many Germany internationals: And they'll play games in important competitions soon."

Bellarabi, capped 11 times by Germany, has featured in only 21 minutes in the first three games of the season. He will be available to play again on Oct. 20, when Leverkusen host Hannover 96.

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