Arsenal to appeal Eduardo ban

ARSENAL are to appeal against what they call a “deeply flawed” decision by UEFA to hand striker Eduardo a two-match European ban for diving to win a penalty against Celtic in a Champions League qualifier.

European football’s governing body opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatia international for “deceiving the referee” when he went down in the box at Emirates Stadium last week despite there appearing to be no contact with Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc.

Referee Manuel Mejuto Gonzalez awarded the spot-kick, which Eduardo converted himself to set Arsenal on their way to a comprehensive 3-1 win which sealed their place in the tournament’s lucrative group stages.

Arsenal issued a strongly-worded statement yesterday indicating their intention not to let the matter rest.

“The club is in receipt of UEFA’s reasoned decision in relation to the charge against Eduardo,” the statement read.

“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.”