FIFA extends ban on Valencia’s Navarro for sparking pitch battle

FIFA have extended Valencia defender David Navarro’s seven-month ban for his part in the brawl that marred his side’s Champions League encounter with Inter Milan on March 6 to include all domestic and international matches.

Navarro was hit with the lengthy suspension after sparking the ugly scenes that followed the last 16 tie at the Mestalla by throwing a punch that broke the nose of Inter’s Nicolas Burdisso.

The original ban only covered European fixtures, but FIFA have now granted a UEFA request to increase the punishment to a ban at all levels.

UEFA also confirmed Valencia and Inter have lodged appeals against the punishments meted out after the brawl, to be heard on March 28.

The clubs were fined €150,000 each last week by UEFA.

In addition to Navarro, Inter defenders Burdisso and Maicon were banned for six matches and Valencia defender Carlos Marchena for four.

Inter centre-back Ivan Cordoba and striker Julio Cruz received three and two-game suspensions, respectively.