Scolari hit with four-match UEFA ban
Saturday, 22 September 2007
PARIS, Sept 21 (AFP): Portugal's Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has been banned for four matches by UEFA after a violent altercation with Serbian player Ivica Dragutinovic.
Scolari and Dragutinovic were caught up in a pitch-side flare-up after a hot-tempered Euro 2008 qualifier which ended 1-1 on September 12 and led to Scolari lashing out at the Serbian with his fist.
The ban will rule Scolari out of being on the touchline for Portugal's remaining four qualifiers. The Brazilian was also given a 12,120 euros (17,000 dollars) fine.
However Scolari said he will appeal the UEFA decision.
"I think that this punishment is excessive. The player who is the origin of this situaton has been suspended for two matches and that's why I will appeal this decision," Scolari said at a press conference.
Dragutinovic has been handed a two-match ban by UEFA, European football's ruling body, for his role in the incident ruling him out of qualifiers in Armenia and Azerbaijan on 13 and 17 October respectively.
Scolari and Dragutinovic were caught up in a pitch-side flare-up after a hot-tempered Euro 2008 qualifier which ended 1-1 on September 12 and led to Scolari lashing out at the Serbian with his fist.
The ban will rule Scolari out of being on the touchline for Portugal's remaining four qualifiers. The Brazilian was also given a 12,120 euros (17,000 dollars) fine.
However Scolari said he will appeal the UEFA decision.
"I think that this punishment is excessive. The player who is the origin of this situaton has been suspended for two matches and that's why I will appeal this decision," Scolari said at a press conference.
Dragutinovic has been handed a two-match ban by UEFA, European football's ruling body, for his role in the incident ruling him out of qualifiers in Armenia and Azerbaijan on 13 and 17 October respectively.