No appeal from Totti

Italy’s Francesco Totti has decided not to appeal against his three-match ban for gross unsporting conduct.

The Azzurri midfielder was suspended by UEFA after he spat in the face of Danish defender Christian Poulsen in the teams’ goalless draw earlier this week.

Totti yesterday made a public apology to UEFA, which was taken into account by European football’s governing body when deciding their punishment.

“Having discussed the matter with Totti and the federation, we have decided not to make an appeal,” said Totti’s lawyer Giulia Bongiorno.

“The sentence given is correct. They took into consideration the player’s apology and also the provocation that he was under during the game.

“Having considered all the facts, we have decided not to proceed any further with this matter.”

The Italian football federation acknowledge that Totti’s behaviour was unacceptable.

Totti will be able to make an appearance again in Euro 2004 only if Italy reach the semi-finals.

Italy are scheduled to play today against Sweden in their second Group C clash in Porto.