UEFA have given Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva a two game ban in the Champions League for ‘deceiving the referee’.
The charge relates to a penalty won by Eduardo in the 3-1 win over Celtic in the Champions League second leg qualifier last week.
Eduardo raced through the penalty area, and nudged the ball beyond Celtic keeper Artur Boruc, who appeared to have been bundled the forward over.
However, replays showed Eduardo was not touched as he went to ground.
The Brazilian born Croatian international received heavy criticism after the game, with a number of Celtic players calling for punishment.
Italian midfielder Massimo Donati was the most outspoken about the incident;
“If it is clear on television then UEFA must act against Eduardo and ban him. I think he should get a two-match suspension." said Donati.
"'It was not a penalty.' I told him, and everyone in the Celtic team told him. But unfortunately it is part of football now. We can do nothing now because the referee gave it.
"Eduardo did not say anything to me when I challenged him about the dive. He just put his fingers to his lips. It is not good when one guy does this. I feel sorry for Artur because he tried to make sure he did not touch him.“
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has three working days to appeal against the decision.
Should the ban be upheld, Eduardo will miss The Gunners’ group games at Standard Liege, and at home to Olympiacos.
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