Uefa reduces Navarro suspension

[Mac 10 †]

Uefa reduces Navarro suspension

The ban handed to Valencia's David Navarro for his part in a Champions League brawl with Inter Milan has been reduced from seven months to six.
 
Navarro's ban will now end on 14 September, while team-mate Carlos Marchena has had his four-match suspension reduced to two.

The six-game ban for Inter Milan's Nicolas Burdisso was upheld.

But team-mate Ivan Cordoba had his reduced from three to two matches and Maicon's from six to three.

The two-game ban given to Inter's Julio Cruz has also been upheld.

The suspensions have been modified following a hearing of Uefa's appeals committee.

However, all the players have been warned that any further incidents within the next two years will lead to additional suspensions.

Navarro would face a further two-month ban in the event of further misbehaviour.

"I am satisfied we have achieved a reduction in the sanction," Navarro told the Valencia website.

"It is tough, but I am only thinking about completing it as quickly as possible so I can return to play with Valencia again."

All six players have agreed to the release of a joint statement.

"We admit the facts and the offences established by the Uefa disciplinary bodies. In addition, we agree to the sanctions imposed here above, they said.

"We deeply regret the serious nature of the incidents and we present our most sincere apologies."

Valencia midfielder Navarro - whose ban covers football worldwide - broke the nose of Inter's Burdisso with a punch during a brawl at the end of the Spanish team's match with Inter on 6 March.

Valencia midfielder Marchena appeared to kick out at Burdisso after exchanging words.

The incident sparked the brawl in which Navarro, a substitute who had not featured in the match, ran on to the middle of the pitch and punched Burdisso.

Several Inter players tried to kick Navarro as he ran off the pitch and the fighting continued in the tunnel and outside the dressing room.

Both clubs were fined £106,000 for their part in the incident at Valencia's Mestalla stadium.

[Boo-Yaa †]

It was a good punch!!!

Prob worth the 6 months