Source: Telegraph
Arsenal to appeal Eduardo da Silva's twomatch diving ban
Uefa opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatia international for "deceiving the referee" following a challenge from Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc last week when there appeared to be minimal contact. [LNB]Referee Manuel Mejuto Gonzalez awarded a penalty, which Eduardo converted himself as Arsenal completed a comfortable 5-1 aggregate win to clinch their place in the Champions League group stages. [LNB] Related ArticlesThe Bung: Bendtner's agent of propagandaSlaven Bilic rails at Eduardo banGordon: Eduardo's ban 'worth it'Eduardo 'dive' debateEduardo ban ridiculousSport on televisionScottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith and Celtic players quickly called for retrospective action and, even though the offence would normally only have warranted a yellow card, Uefa launched proceedings that resulted in a two-match ban. [LNB]Arsenal, however, maintain that allegations of a deliberate dive are not supported by careful analysis of the incident. They believe that there is evidence of contact between Boruc and Eduardo and argue that any player is taught to raise their feet so as to avoid a collision. [LNB]Arsenal are also extremely unhappy with the entire disciplinary process, particularly the decision to charge Eduardo by using the previously little-known Article 10 (1c) of their regulations. [LNB]Moreover, they believe there is an inconsistency in the policy of Uefa president Michel Platini to oppose the use of video replays for officials during matches and then suddenly use it on an apparently selective basis for controversial incidents. [LNB]Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has already accused Uefa of launching 'a witch-hunt' against his player, while the club issued a strongly-worded statement in response to Uefa's ruling. [LNB]'The club is in receipt of Uefa's reasoned decision in relation to the charge against Eduardo,' said the statement. 'We strongly believe that the decision taken is deeply flawed and not based on any forensic review of the video evidence available. There are obvious errors and inconsistencies in Uefa's judgment and we intend to appeal.' [LNB]Eduardo is currently with the Uefa national team ahead of their match against Belarus on Saturday and then England at Wembley next Wednesday when his every move will attract considerable scrutiny.[LNB]
