Davids and Contra suspended after scuffle

Juventus FC midfield player Edgar Davids and Milan AC defender Cosmin Contra have both received suspensions after their sendings-off and subsequent scuffle in a pre-season friendly.

Bans for both
The Italian League’s disciplinary body handed Davids a two-match Serie A ban and Contra a three-match ban after the incident during the match, which formed part of a tournament also involving Internazionale FC on 31 July in Trieste.

Nasty scuffle
Just four minutes into the match, Davids committed a late challenge on Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso and Contra, who was close by, sought immediate retribution by kicking Davids in the back. A nasty scuffle followed between the two players and several others who tried to split the two.

Separated by security guards
Match official Massimiliano Saccani sent the pair off but they clashed again on the way to the dressing rooms before being separated by security guards. In its decision, the disciplinary body explained that the punishment would probably have been more severe had the referee been able to report on the fighting off the field.

Dida fined
In the same match, Milan’s Brazilian goalkeeper Dida was also sent off for a handball outside the penalty area. He has escaped suspension but received a fine of €2,500.