Gunners hit out as Eduardo lands two-game ‘diving’ ban
ARSENAL chiefs told of their frustration last night after striker Eduardo was handed a two-match ban by Uefa for diving.
The Croatia international was found guilty of deceiving referee Manuel Gonzalez as he fell under the challenge of Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc in last week’s Champions League qualifier.
It means the striker will now miss his side’s matches against Standard Liege and Olympiakos.
Arsenal have three days to appeal against Uefa’s decision but the club say they want more information on the disciplinary panel’s findings before deciding whether or not to try and overturn the ban.
“We have been informed that we will receive a ‘reasoned decision’ from Uefa by Thursday,” a statement read. “Once we receive Uefa’s rationale, we will make a decision on the next steps.
“We have been deeply frustrated by the perfunctory and apparently arbitrary process that Uefa has followed in this instance. We believe it is imperative that Uefa’s explanation for its decision provides clear and comprehensive standards that will be consistently enforced.”
Eduardo’s actions sparked a furious reaction from Boruc and the other Celtic players, but the Croatian has been fiercely defended by boss Arsene Wenger, who branded the charge a “complete disgrace” and insisted his striker was being used as part of a “witch-hunt.”
Uefa chiefs previously banned Lithuania’s Saulius Mikoliunas for two games after diving for a penalty against Scotland during a Euro 2008 qualifier in September 2007.