César sanction hits Depor
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
Article summary
RC Deportivo La Coruña's César Martín has been banned for four games by the Spanish Football Federation.
Article body
Red card
The incident occurred two minutes from the end of Deportivo's 2-1 win at the Riazor, when the two players jostled on the edge of the penalty area before a Villarreal free-kick. Mexican forward De Nigris fell to the ground clasping his head, although the referee's report said he was not injured. César was sent off.
First offence
The Deportivo player said the punishment was excessive and hoped the Comité de Competición would reduce it on appeal. "It was really nothing more than a gesture," he said. "I moved towards him and when I got close he fell to the ground. It is the first time I have been banned for something like this so that should be taken into account."
