Schalke suspend duo

Germans punish pair over late night antics

By Chris Ives   Last updated: 11th December 2007

Krstajic

Krstajic: Suspended

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Schalke have dropped defender Mladen Krstajic and midfielder Ivan Rakitic for their Champions League clash with Rosenborg for disciplinary reasons.

The duo have been handed the punishment after being seen in a local disco in the early hours of Sunday morning following Saturday's 2-2 draw in Frankfurt.

Midfielder Jermaine Jones was also present but he will miss the crucial Tuesday fixture due to suspension.

"The players' behaviour is absolutely unacceptable," Schalke coach Mirko Slomka told the club's official website.

"They know exactly what they have to do to prepare for a game. Even though they are extremely important players, we have clear rules and these have been blatantly broken. It was the only option left open to us."

Royal Blues' general manager Andreas Muller echoed his trainer's words, saying he was "extremely disappointed and angry".

"We have high goals here at Schalke and so we have to demand discipline and professionalism from our players," noted Muller.

"That is the only way that every single one of them can get the best out of themselves. They have shown their disregard for these rules and that is something we cannot accept."

Schalke go into their final Champions League group game with Rosenborg needing a victory to guarantee a berth in the final 16 of the competition.

Meanwhile, Schalke midfielder Carlos Grossmuller has been suspended for five Bundesliga matches following his sending off on Saturday.

The Uruguay international, who was only a substitute for his team's match at Frankfurt, ran from the bench during an on-field melee late in the game and attacked Eintracht striker Michael Thurk.

Grossmuller appeared before the DFB disciplinary committee on Monday and was handed a €10,000 fine for his actions as well as a five-match Bundesliga ban which will keep him sidelined until March 2008.

Schalke have decided not to contest the decision and have indicated that the player will also face internal sanctions for his actions.