Arsenal contest Eduardo ban
Eduardo faces a two-game ban for diving against Celtic
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Thursday, 03, Sep 2009 06:43
Arsenal have lodged an official appeal with Uefa over Eduardo's two-match European ban for diving against Celtic last month.
The Croatian was charged with "deceiving the referee" in their Champions League playoff against the Bhoys at the Emriates Stadium when he won, then converted, a penalty to give his side a 1-0 lead on the night and a 3-0 aggregate advantage.
Replays appeared to show minimal contact with Celtic keeper Artur Boruc, who protested vehemently during the game.
However, in a statement Arsenal have called the decision "deeply flawed" and made clear their intention to appeal.
"The club is in receipt of Uefa's reasoned decision in relation to the charge against Eduardo," the club said.
"We strongly believe that the decision taken is deeply flawed and not based on any forensic review of the video evidence available.
"There are obvious errors and inconsistencies in Uefa's judgment and we intend to appeal."
In a similar statement earlier this week, Arsenal admitted being "disappointed" with the judgement, which means Eduardo is set to miss the club's opening two Champions League group stage matches against Standard Liege and Olympiakos.
The club also called on Uefa to "provide clear and comprehensive standards that will be consistently enforced" and "specific details of the processes it plans to adopt in reviewing all games under its jurisdiction".
Last week, manager Arsene Wenger called the charge "a complete disgrace" and "completely unacceptable" and said the club would "not accept" the way Uefa have handled the case.