Uefa made 'obvious errors' over Eduardo say Arsenal

Pa
Friday 04 September 2009 10:28 BST
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(Reuters)

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Arsenal claim UEFA made "obvious errors" in their decision to hand striker Eduardo a two-match European ban for diving, and intend to appeal the "deeply flawed" ruling.

European football's governing body opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatia international for "deceiving the referee" when he went down in the penalty box during last week's Champions League qualifier against Celtic at Emirates Stadium, 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 and into the lucrative group stages.

However, Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith was quick to call for action against the Croatian international, set to face England in their World Cup qualifier at Wembley next week.

UEFA subsequently began an investigation, which Gunners boss Arsene Wenger lambasted as a "witch-hunt" and resulted in the decision to ban Eduardo for two matches.

However, Arsenal issued a strongly-worded statement yesterday afternoon, making it clear they would not 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."

Arsenal are understood to have made a 19-page submission to UEFA ahead of the original hearing, which clearly made little impact on the panel, and following the announcement of Eduardo's ban, slammed the "arbitrary process" followed by the European governing body.

Wenger declared UEFA had now opened a Pandora's Box, with every controversial decision under their jurisdiction now apparently possible for scrutiny despite not having acted on other high-profile incidents in the past.

Should the ban be upheld, Eduardo - who has finally returned to full match fitness following a year out with a broken leg - would be forced to miss the opening two Champions League group matches, away at Standard Liege on September 16 and the home encounter with Olympiacos on September 29.

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