Bayern Munich Confirm Franck Ribery 'Altercation' with Reporter Patrick Guillou

Bayern Munich have confirmed Franck Ribery and French journalist Patrick Guillou were involved in an "altercation" following reports the player had pushed and slapped him during a post-match interview.

Per The Independent, eyewitnesses said Ribery got physical with Guillou after the reporter indicated the winger bore responsibility for two of Borussia Dortmund's goals after their 3-2 win over Bayern on Saturday.

Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Bild (h/t The Independent):

"Franck Ribery has informed us that he had an altercation with his compatriot Patrick Guillou, whom he has known well for many years.

"We agreed with Patrick Guillou that we would speak at a personal meeting, we will talk about how we can solve the matter, and Mr. Guillou has already signalled that it is in his interest."

Sport Witness relayed Bild's details of the incident:

Robert Lewandowski twice fired Bayern in front at Signal Iduna Park, but Marco Reuspulled BVB level on both occasions before Paco Alcacer won it for Dortmund.

Reus' first goal came from the penalty spot after he was felled by Manuel Neuer, but his second and Alcacer's winner originated on Bayern's left flank, where Ribery was deployed.

The Frenchman failed to track Lukasz Piszczek, who supplied the cross to Reus. 

Football writer Lars Pollmann noted the winger's involvement in Alcacer's goal:

Ribery, 35, has been a diminishing force for Bayern in recent years. Having contributed just six goals and as many assists last term in all competitions, the ageing winger has no goals and just a single assist to his name in 15 appearances this season.

The defeat has left Bayern fifth in the Bundesliga, seven points behind Dortmund in the title race having scored 13 fewer goals.

Given Ribery has contributed little going forward so far, Bayern boss Niko Kovac would do well to consider alternatives to him, even if it requires a dip into the January transfer market.