Gulf Times, Qatar

Scolari banned for four matches – Published: Sunday,
23 September, 2007, 08:06 AM Doha Time

PARIS: Portugal’s Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari
has been banned for four matches by UEFA after a
violent altercation with Serbian player Ivica
Dragutinovic.
Scolari and Dragutinovic were caught up in a
pitch-side flare-up after a hot-tempered Euro 2008
qualifier which ended 1-1 on September 12 and led to
Scolari lashing out at the Serbian with his fist.
The ban will rule Scolari out of being on the
touchline for Portugal’s remaining four qualifiers.
The Brazilian was also given a 12,120 euros ($17,000)
fine.
Dragutinovic has been handed a two-match ban by UEFA,
European football’s ruling body, for his role in the
incident ruling him out of qualifiers in Armenia and
Azerbaijan on 13 and 17 October respectively.
Scolari said after the match that the Sevilla player
had insulted his family.
"Words in Spanish directed at my family, I understand
perfectly well," he said.
"As such when I reacted, it was the wrong reaction but
sometimes even rational and normal people can make
mistakes."
UEFA said the sanctions were for "improper conduct".
Both Scolari and Dragutinovic can appeal the decision
but must do so within three days of the receipt of the
written grounds for the decision.
Scolari will now be sidelined from Portugal’s upcoming
matches in Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan in October, and
at home against Armenia and Finland in November.
Before and during the match, he will not be allowed to
go in the team dressing-room, the tunnel, or the
technical zone, or on the pitch. In addition, he will
not be allowed to communicate with his team.
Portugal sit third in qualifying group A four points
adrift of Poland and two behind Finland, both of whom
have played one game more than Scolari’s side.
Serbia are in fourth place on 16 points, one adrift of
Portugal. (AFP)

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress