Sports / Soccer |
FIFA extend Navarro's ban to all competitions(Reuters)Updated: 2007-03-21 08:38 MADRID, March 20 - Valencia defender David Navarro has been banned from football for seven months after FIFA agreed to UEFA's recommendation to extend his punishment to all international as well as domestic matches. Valencia said in a statement on their Web site (www.valenciacf) that FIFA had notified them of the decision on Tuesday. Navarro was handed the UEFA ban after running on to the pitch and punching Inter Milan midfielder Nicolas Burdisso during a mass brawl after his side clinched a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 0-0 draw at the Mestalla. Navarro's Valencia team mate Carlos Marchena, who appeared to kick out at Burdisso as the two argued after the final whistle, was suspended for four matches for his part in the incidents. Burdisso and Inter team mate Maicon were banned for six matches, defender Ivan Cordoba for three and striker Julio Cruz for two, while Valencia and Inter were fined 155,772 euros ($206,800). All six players involved in the incidents have been summoned to appear before a UEFA Appeals Body hearing on March 28. Valencia said they would appeal against the decision. "Valencia will continue with its appeal to UEFA in the hope that its arguments over the sanctions to David Navarro and Carlos Marchena will be heard," said the Spanish club. "The club would like to reiterate its determination to defend the rights of its players and to do all it can so that the sanctions are in strict accordance with existing rules." Navarro said after the incident that he was ashamed by his behaviour. "I very much regret what I did," he said. "I'm upset because I've never done anything like this in my life before nor will I again. "I will accept whatever punishment they give me." |
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