Fiorentina´s Gilardino appeal turned down

An appeal by Fiorentina over a two match ban for striker Alberto Gilardino, who scored with his arm during a match with Palermo at the weekend, was turned down by an Italian court on Tuesday.

Fiorentina had earlier launched an appeal relating to the Italian international’s infraction during Sunday’s 3-1 victory.

Gilardino, the leading scorer in Serie A with seven goals, scored the goal in the 20th minute of their match, however, the referee did not see the infringement but television images did show him using his forearm.

According to a sports judge Gilardino intentionally touched the ball with his hand in what was a ‘seriously unsporting gesture’.

Fiorentina officials see the incident differently and have decided to launch an appeal.

As it stands Gilardino, a member of the Italy side that won the 2006 World Cup, will miss Fiorentina’s next two Serie A matches against Inter Milan and Siena.