UEFA rejects Rae appeal
Monday, August 23, 2004
Article summary
The UEFA Appeals Body has dismissed the appeal against the five-match ban imposed on Alex Rae.
Article body
The UEFA Appeals Body today rejected the appeal launched by Rangers FC against the five-match ban imposed on midfield player Alex Rae for gross unsporting conduct in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round first leg against PFC CSKA Moskva on 10 August.
Evidence examined
Having examined video evidence from the match and statements from the parties involved and various witnesses, the UEFA Appeals Body concluded that Rae kicked the head of Serguei Dadu while CSKA's Moldovan striker was lying on the ground. Taking into account all the circumstances involved, the Appeals Body considered a five-match ban appropriate as the action could have resulted in a serious injury to the Russian side's player.
Five-match suspension
Rae will be suspended for the next five UEFA club competition matches, starting with the second leg of the tie against CSKA which is to be played in Glasgow on 25 August. CSKA won the first leg at the Lokomotiv stadium in Moscow 2-1.
