Switzerland’s Frei cleared of spitting at Gerrard

striker Alexander Frei has been cleared of spitting at England midfielder Steven Gerrard and will play in the final Group B Euro 2004 match against France.

The Swiss have not yet scored a goal in the tournament but must win the game at the Estadio Cidade de Coimbra to have any chance of playing in the quarter-finals.

Frei was acquitted of spitting at Gerrard during Switzerland’s 3-0 defeat to England and is now clear to line up against France who need only a draw to be sure of a last-eight spot.

Frei will be the most potent weapon for Switzerland as they look to reach the second phase after what has been a disappointing tournament for them so far.

“I have no explanation for this affair because I did not spit on him,” said Frei who had been implicated in video evidence submitted by German channel ZDF.