Totti given three-match ban

Uefa have dished out a three-match ban to Francesco Totti after the Italy idol was caught on camera spitting at Denmark's Christian Poulsen.

Although the Roma star may appeal, such a suspension would rule him out until the semi-final, providing the Azzurri manage to get that far.

The authorities had initially looked at slapping a four-match ban on the player but the disciplinary committee amended their original plan.

"I'm really sad for what happened and I publicly apologise," said Totti.

"I don't see myself in this video.

"I'd like you to know the true Francesco Totti is another person.

"Is three games too much? I don't know. I am really sad."

The player has 24 hours to decide whether to appeal against the decision.

Totti's lawyers claimed in defence that it was very much out of character for the forward and that the spittle did not actually hit Poulsen.

"Our requests have been partially accepted," said one of Totti's lawyers, referring to the fact that the suspension was reduced by one match.

"We are partially satisfied.

"We will decide this evening whether to make an appeal or not."