UEFA ban Diouf for spitting at fans

Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf escaped with a two-match ban today for spitting at Celtic fans last week.

UEFA’s disciplinary panel imposed the ban following a meeting in Nyon, Switzerland, today but took into account provocation by Celtic fans, and fined the Glasgow club 5000 Swiss francs (€3,400) for their supporters’ conduct during the incident.

It had been expected that Diouf would receive a four-match suspension but UEFA said the ban took into consideration the provocative behaviour of spectators.

Diouf will be suspended for Thursday’s UEFA Cup second leg at Anfield although Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier had already decided not to include the 22-year-old in his squad.

A statement by UEFA read: “The body studied video footage of the incident, in which Diouf unintentionally fell on spectators. The footage showed that Diouf was touched on the head by fans while trying to stand up, and then turned and spat towards the spectators in question.

“The incident was not seen by the team of referees. In addition, two Celtic supporters tried to enter the pitch following the incident, but were apprehended by stewards.

“The Control and Disciplinary Body ruled that Diouf was guilty of improper conduct, but added that the provocative behaviour of the spectators should also be taken into account as a mitigating circumstance.

“Diouf has apologised publicly for the spitting offence, and has been fined two weeks’ wages by his club. Liverpool have also indicated that they will make a donation of £60,000 to a Glasgow charity of Celtic’s choice.”