Eduardo could face two-game ban

27 August 2009 19:09
Arsenal striker Eduardo could face a two-match Champions League ban after UEFA announced they are reviewing the incident where he won a penalty against Celtic on Wednesday night. UEFA disciplinary officials will decide on Friday whether he will be charged with diving - Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith has already called for action against the Croatian international. A UEFA spokesman told Press Association Sport: "We are reviewing the match to see whether a disciplinary investigation should be launched." Under UEFA rules, if charged and found guilty Eduardo could face sanctions up to a two-match ban in European competition. UEFA president Michel Platini confirmed he could be suspended and said his plan of having two additional assistant referees (AARs), one next to each goal, would cut down on diving. Platini, speaking in Monaco, said: "There are disciplinary procedures at UEFA and the procedure could be taken to suspend the player. "One day players will give up simulating because referees will see them. For years players have cheated because the referees were not of a good enough quality. "I am convinced if you have referees close by that will prevent players from simulating and players will take the right decision. I have always said better to have more referees than a multiplication of disciplinary procedures." The two extra officials will be seen in this season's Europa League, and will linked to the referee by microphone. They will be positioned three metres from each goal and will go on to the pitch up to the edge of the penalty area when play is at the other end. Earlier on Thursday, SFA chief Smith said: "Smith said: "Eduardo is a terrific player who has battled back from a serious injury to resume playing at the highest level. However, last night he showed disrespect to the game by his actions in winning a penalty against Celtic."

Source: Eurosport