Red-carded Arjen apologises to fans and team

Arjen Robben will be suspended for Bayern’s crunch Bundesliga clash with second-placed Leverkusen next week, and could yet be banned for more than a single game, after collecting a red card for dissent following Bayern’s 1-1 draw away to Nürnberg on Saturday. The final whistle had already gone, but the Dutch ace was punished by referee Knut Kircher after exchanging words with the match official in the centre-circle.

“I don’t know any more what I said,” the winger commented afterwards, “I was very angry, very disappointed. But I should be sorting that out with my team-mates and not with the referee. I want to apologise to the fans and the team. I shouldn’t have done that.” Robben also visited the referees’ room at the easyCredit stadium to apologise to Kircher in person.

The red card caused Robben even more anguish than Bayern’s failure to take three points in Nuremberg. “That's the very worst thing of all,” said the 27-year-old, who is certain to miss the crucial meeting with Leverkusen next Sunday. A German FA (DFB) disciplinary tribunal will determine the exact length of the player’s ban next week. “Hopefully it won’t be too bad,” a remorseful Arjen said.

It is only the second red card in Robben’s career to date. His first dismissal came almost exactly five years ago, while playing for Chelsea in an English Premier League encounter with West Bromwich Albion on 4 March 2006.