Real to appeal Raul ban

Raul (l) denied handling the ball

Real Madrid are to appeal against Raul's one-match ban for his 'handball' goal in Tuesday's Champions League win against Leeds.

Uefa had earlier branded the striker's actions "a manifest act of cheating" - banning him and handing him a £7,600 fine.

Real sporting director Jorge Valdano said: "We wish to show our surprise against the decision and our unhappiness with it."

He insisted the club wanted to ensure such a decision did not set a precedent by which matches can be reviewed for decisions other than violent conduct.

I hope this does not mean that games are going to be refereed twice instead of once

  Jorge Valdano

Valdano added: "It is a dangerous precedent, which opens up a road that puts in danger things which are linked to the world of football.

"I hope this does not mean that games are going to be refereed twice instead of once."

But despite the condemning evidence from television replays, Valdano insisted the club was fully behind Raul.

He explained in the Spanish daily sports paper Marca: "We do not wish any act of rebellion against Uefa but to defend the image of a player, which is very important for our club.

"We are not concerned about the sanction, but we are concerned about the consequences on Raul's image."

The ban, whether or not it is upheld on appeal, will not affect Real's progress in any way.

The player will miss the club's clash in Anderlecht - but the Spanish side are already assured of top spot, ahead of Leeds, in their second phase group.