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.