France winger Franck Ribery has admitted that he feels Yann M'Vila's international ban is harsh.
M'Vila broke a curfew while on international under-21 duty and has been banned until 2014.
Ribery, who has been punished by the French football federation in the past, feels that a fine may have been more beneficial.
"I think the punishment is severe," he said.
"This is not the best way to help a player get back to his best level.
"Sure he deserved a penalty, but rather a fine. Suspended until 2014 is, quite frankly, exaggerated."
Ribery is part of the France squad which will travel to Italy on Wednesday for a friendly match.
