Arshavin banned for two Russia games
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Article summary
Andrei Arshavin will miss Russia's first two matches of the UEFA EURO 2008™ finals after being suspended following his sending-off in the last game of qualifying.
Article body
Andrei Arshavin will miss Russia's first two matches of the UEFA EURO 2008™ finals after receiving a suspension for his sending-off in the last game of the qualifying campaign.
Two-match ban
The forward was red-carded for violent conduct against an opponent in the 84th minute of Russia's 1-0 win in Andorra on 21 November which helped to seal second place in Group E. The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body has decided that the offence merits a two-match ban, causing Arshavin to sit out his team's Group D meetings with Spain and Greece in Innsbruck and Salzburg respectively. Those games take place on 10 and 14 June before Russia conclude their group-stage campaign against Sweden four days later.
Ever-present
An appeal may be lodged against the sanction within three days of the dispatch of the reasons for the decision. The 26-year-old from Russian champions FC Zenit St. Petersburg was ever-present in qualification, scoring three goals for Guus Hiddink's side in 12 appearances.
