Bayern Munich’s French midfielder Franck Ribery took off his jersey after leaving the pitch during the Champions’ League Group B match between Bayern Munich and RSC Anderlecht in Munich.

Germany legend Lothar Matthaeus has criticized Franck Ribery for defiantly throwing off his Bayern Munich shirt after being substituted in Tuesday’s Champions League win over Anderlecht, prompting a passionate response from the Frenchman.

Having picked up an early booking for arguing with the referee in the 3 – 0 home victory, Ribery was taken off with 12 minutes to go in Munich and hurled his shirt at the Bayern bench.

“Ribery has been here long enough now and he is emotional, but you can’t throw your shirt on the bench like that,” ex – Bayern midfielder and Germany captain Matthaeus told Sky. “That is a bad”.

Ribery ’s rage could well have consequences as the director of sport, Hasan Salihamidzic revealed that Ribery’s action is not okay with him and they will have to talk about it.

However, Ribery later defended his actions in an emotional statement saying that some will never understand what it means to give everything to their club and that he will continue to defend the Bayern colours and be involved in all the games with all his passion.

Bayern played nearly 80 minutes against 10 men after Anderlecht had defender Sven Kums sent off just before Robert Lewandowski converted a penalty.

Last week, Lewandowski criticised the club’ s spending policy while Germany forward Thomas Mueller complained about starting on the bench in the 2 – 0 win at Werder Bremen a fortnight ago.

Defending champions Bayern have made a poor start to the new Bundesliga season as Saturday’ s 2 – 0 defeat at Hoffenheim left them sixth in the table, their worst position after three games since 2010/11.