UEFA rejects Madrid protest over Xabi Alonso ban

Nyon, Switzerland: UEFA has dismissed a protest lodged by Real Madrid over midfielder Xabi Alonso's suspension for the Champions League final.

UEFA disciplinary rules do not allow appeals against automatic one-match bans. Xabi Alonso was shown a yellow card for fouling Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger in the semifinal, second-leg match last week.

His third booking of the competition triggered a one-match suspension. Madrid play city rival Atletico in the May 24 final in Lisbon, Portugal.