UEFA uphold one-game van Persie ban
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie will serve a one-match Champions League ban for his dismissal against FC Thun, UEFA have confirmed.
UEFA’s control and disciplinary committee had the power to extend the suspension to two or three games, although that would have been likely to spark an appeal by Arsenal.
The Gunners have nevertheless been given confirmation the Holland international will miss their next group tie away to Ajax on September 27 following his reckless challenge on FC Thun defender Alen Orman.
Van Persie’s dismissal for ’serious foul play’ by referee Grzegorz Gilewski came when he caught Orman in the face with a raised boot just before half-time at Highbury.
The Dutchman proclaimed his innocence, with team-mate Dennis Bergkamp insisting that he had been going purely for the ball, while Arsene Wenger also criticised the referee’s decision.
UEFA’s website, www.uefa.com , announced: “Arsenal FC forward Robin van Persie has been banned for one match by UEFA’s control and disciplinary committee after his dismissal for serious foul play against FC Thun.
“The ruling means the 22-year-old Dutch international will miss Arsenal’s next Champions League match, away to AFC Ajax on September 27.
“In reaching its judgment, UEFA said that while Van Persie could reasonably be presumed to have had no intent to bodily harm his opponent, the reckless element involved in the challenge was punishable under UEFA disciplinary law.”
