Bayern winger Robben banned for two games

Bayern Munich's star winger Arjen Robben has been banned for two games and will miss the key match against Bayer Leverkusen that could decide if Bayern qualifies for the Champions League.

Robben's absence leaves interim coach Andries Jonker without one of his top players in his first match in charge.

''I am not pleased but we will find a solution,'' Jonker told reporters Monday.

Robben was sent off after the final whistle for insulting the referee following Bayern's 1-1 draw at Nuremberg, and was given the ban by the German football federation.

Coach Louis van Gaal was sacked after the Nuremberg game and his assistant Jonker got the job for the last five games of the season.

Leverkusen is second, nine points ahead of fourth-place Bayern, which is hoping to finish either second or third. Second place brings a direct slot in the Champions League, third means qualifying.

The draw in Nuremberg left Bayern trailing Hannover by one point.

''The players want to play in the Champions League next season absolutely,'' Jonker said.

''We must be in third place on May 14 (when the season ends) and have more points than Hannover,'' the 48-year-old Dutchman said.

''I don't need to teach players anything for five games, I don't need a philosophy. What I need to do together with the fans, the board, the coaching staff and the players is to clinch that Champions League qualification spot. If we all stick together we can do it.''

Bayern's designated coach as of next season is Jupp Heynckes, who is now in charge at Leverkusen. Heynckes is in a delicate situation - his current team could destroy the Champions League hopes of his next one.

Jonker will remain at Bayern after Heynckes' arrival and will be in charge of Bayern's reserve side.