Real to fight Pepe ban

Real Madrid are planning to appeal against the 10-match ban that was given to defender Pepe for his violent actions against Getafe in midweek.

The Portuguese was sent off during Real's 3-2 victory over their Madrid rivals for shoving Francisco Casquero over in the penalty box and then proceeding to kick out at the midfielder twice while he was on the floor.

In the ensuing melee, Pepe proceeded to palm an approaching opposition player in the face and punch Getafe's Juan Albin, forcing captain Iker Casillas to lead the disgraced defender off the field while he reportedly shouted obscenities at the fourth official.

The 26-year-old has since apologised for his actions and declared that he no longer has any desire to play football, however Real Madrid interim president Vincente Boluda has since vowed to fight the ban.

"What a catastrophe!" Boluda told Spanish daily Marca.

"The punishment doesn't match what happened on the pitch."

Pepe will now miss the remainder of Real Madrid's games this season as well as facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines at the beginning of the 09/10 campaign.