Real Madrid identities rally around Mourinho over excessive UEFA ban

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has slammed the five-match ban handed to coach Jose Mourinho by UEFA.

Real general manager Jorge Valdano also hit out at the excessive suspension.

"We are fully with the coach and I hope that his ban is reduced somewhat," Ramos told AS after Madrid’s 6-2 victory over Svilla in the Primera Division on Saturday.

Valdano was equally strident in his criticism of Uefa, pointing out that Mourinho had been treated more stringently than other coaches.

"They were excessive," he stated. "Throughout the season, there were many coaches who made very harsh statements and they received more lenient sentences because Uefa did want to make it a topic of conversation and create controversy."