FRANKFURT, Germany (AFP) - Wolfsburg's Brazilian striker Grafite has been suspended for five matches after a clash with Hamburg's Dutch defender Joris Mathijsen.

The disciplinary committee of the German football federation heard Grafite's case for his defence on Thursday but upheld the initial ruling, which also saw Mathijsen receive a three-match ban.

"I'm not surprised," Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath said, adding that the club would appeal. "It's a decision that is prejudicial to Wolfsburg. This type of decision harms the smooth running of the championship."

Grafite was sent off in the 90th minute of the March 22 match between his club and Hamburg, which ended in a 1-1 draw.