AC Milan plan Mario Balotelli ban appeal

AC Milan have confirmed that they plan to appeal against a three-match ban handed to Mario Balotelli following last night's 2-1 defeat to Napoli.

Balotelli received a second yellow card after the full-time whistle at the San Siro after deciding to confront the referee for not awarding a late penalty.

The Italian international was issued with a three-game suspension this afternoon for intimidating officials, with Milan also told to close the Curva Sud stand at the San Siro for one match following alleged racist chanting towards Napoli fans.

Milan released a brief statement tonight announcing that they will appeal both sanctions, which read: "Milan announces that we will complain against the suspensions of Mario Balotelli and the Curva Sud."

The Rossoneri have endured a difficult start in Serie A this season, with the home loss to Napoli their second in four league games.