Zidane Banned For Five European Club Matches
GENEVA (Reuters)(DS) - Juventus playmaker Zinedine Zidane was banned by UEFA for five European club matches on Friday after the French international headbutted an opponent.
Zidane, who guided France to World Cup and Euro 2000 success, had admitted headbutting Jochen Kientz after being fouled by the Hamburg SV defender in Tuesday's Champions League match in Turin.
Kientz needed treatment for a bruised cheekbone following the Germans' 3-1 win. Zidane, who was back in Champions League action after a one-match ban, later apologised for the incident.
UEFA said the ban would rule Zidane out of Juventus' crucial match with Greek side Panathinaikos in Athens on November 8 and four other European club competition ties. Juventus need to beat the Greek side to reach the second stage of the Champions League.
UEFA also fined Juventus 25,000 Swiss francs (9,540 pounds) for the conduct of the team and fans during the ill-tempered match.
Werder Bremen's Brazilian forward Ailton was meanwhile banned for three matches for kicking an opponent when play had been interrupted in their 4-1 UEFA Cup victory over Genk on Tuesday.
AC Milan were fined 50,000 Swiss francs (19,000 pounds) failing to control their fans during a 3-3 Champions League draw with Barcelona on October 18 in wich 100 flares were let off at San Siro.
