Bayern Munich confirm Franck Ribéry altercation with reporter | OneFootball

Bayern Munich have admitted winger Franck Ribéry was involved in an altercation with a reporter following Saturday’s 3-2 loss in Dortmund.

The German champions fell further behind the Bundesliga table-toppers after twice squandering the lead during a frustrating season which has gone from bad to worse.

According to Bild, French journalist Patrick Guillou approached compatriot Ribéry on his way from the dressing-room to the team bus and blamed him for two of the goals with the player taking offence to the claim.

Multiple witnesses say the 35-year-old insulted the reporter before slapping him across the face three times and shoving him away.

It is understood Jean-Pierre Papin, the France legend and former Bayern striker, was present when the scuffle was broken up, as was Ribéry’s team-mate Rafinha.

Responding to Bild’s request for a statement, Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić said: “Franck Ribery informed us that he had an altercation with his countryman Patrick Guillou, whom he has known well for many years.

“We agreed with Patrick Guillou on Saturday evening that we would soon discuss in a personal meeting how we would put this affair to rest. Mr. Guillou has already indicated that this is also in his interest.”

Guillou formerly played for Saint-Étienne and Rennes and was also Willy Sagnol’s assistant at Bordeaux.

Bayern currently trail Dortmund by seven points and host Fortuna Dusseldorf on November 24 following the upcoming international break.