Swiss Frei charged with spitting on Gerrard

Switzerland striker Alexander Frei has been charged by UEFA after television cameras caught him spitting at Steven Gerrard in Thursday’s Group B match.

The charge was made after video footage of the incident – which is said to show Frei spitting over his shoulder and Gerrard then clasping his hand to his neck – in the 77th minute of England’s 3-0 victory was examined today.

UEFA officials compiled statements from the players involved and also with England captain David Beckham – although there was no formal complaint about the incident from the Football Association.

Frei will face a hearing of UEFA’s control and disciplinary body tomorrow at 1pm in Lisbon.

Italy forward Francesco Totti received a three-match ban after spitting at Denmark’s Christian Poulsen in the Azzurri’s opening game on Monday.

If found guilty, Frei could find himself suspended for Switzerland’s final group game against France on Monday.

When asked yesterday about Totti’s punishment, Sven-Goran Eriksson had declared: “If you do that, even if you are provoked, you have to be punished.

“In all the countries I’ve been in, that is a big offence. It’s not very polite, I must say. I’m sorry for Totti, but I think it’s fair.”