Uefa reduce Dida ban

Dida to miss one game after appeal

By Peter O'Rourke   Last updated: 22nd October 2007

Milan keeper Dida v Celtic

Dida: Ban reduced

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Milan goalkeeper Dida has had his two-match ban reduced to one game by Uefa after Milan appealed the punishment given to the Brazilian earlier this month.

Dida was handed a two-match UEFA Champions League ban following an incident with a Celtic fan during Milan's 2-1 defeat at Parkhead.

The South American fell theatrically to the ground after a fan appeared to strike him on the cheek near the end of Celtic's victory on 3rd October.

Dida was found to have breached Uefa's principles of "sportsmanship and integrity" for over-reacting to minimal contact by the pitch invader, while Celtic were fined for the improper conduct of the supporter, who has been handed a life ban.

Milan officials felt the punishment was too harsh and vowed to contest the suspension as they tried to support Dida.

Following the appeal hearing on Monday, Uefa have decided to reduce his ban by one game.

It means Dida will miss Wednesday's clash with Shakhtar Donetsk, but he will be available for the return game in Ukraine on 6th November.

A statement on Milan's official website read: "Uefa have partially accepted Milan's appeal by reducing from two to one the match ban given to Nelson Dida following the episodes in Glasgow.

"The Rossoneri goalkeeper will not be available for Wednesday's game at the

San Siro against Shakhtar Donetsk but he will be available to play in Donetsk on November 6."