Waalwijk lose defender to ban

RKC Waalwijk's hopes of a historic UEFA Cup qualification have been hit by the confirmation of a four-match suspension for defender Peter van den Berg, imposed by the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB).

Suspension confirmed
Van den Berg was dismissed during the 2-1 home defeat by RBC Roosendahl on 13 April, after appearing to kick out at Henk Vos. Despite the support of Vos, Waalwijk have lost Van den Berg for the matches against Feyenoord, Roda JC and NAC Breda, with the fourth game of the ban suspended.

UEFA Cup hope
With four games left this season, Waalwijk lie fourth in the Eredivisie table. Fifth place is enough for a UEFA Cup berth in 2003/04 and FC Utrecht, in sixth, are six points behind Waalwijk, who are aiming for their first appearance in European competition.

Van Persie appeal
Feyenoord, who are a point behind second-placed AFC Ajax in the race for a UEFA Champions League slot, will appeal against Robin van Persie's similar suspension following his sending-off against Utrecht on Sunday.

Vreven's support
Utrecht defender Stijn Vreven, who was the player fouled, has supported Van Persie with a written statement against the red card, which will carry a four-game ban with the final match provisional. Van Persie will be eligible to face Waalwijk on Sunday.

Tininho ban accepted
Elswhere, RBC Roosendaal have accepted the four-match suspension handed midfield player Tininho for elbowing AZ Alkmaar's Kenneth Perez in the home match on 19 April.