Adriano slapped with ban

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Adriano has been handed a two-match ban after television pictures caught the Inter man slapping an opponent.

The Brazilian struck out at Alessandro Grandoni during the Nerazzurri’s 0-0 draw with Livorno last Saturday.

As the incident was missed by the referee, the images have been viewed by the disciplinary panel who have opted to suspend the striker.

Adriano, who hasn’t scored since the win over Cagliari on January 15, will now miss the Serie A games against Udinese and the trip to Roma.

Unless the club successfully appeal against today’s sentence, Adriano won’t return until the March 11 tie against Sampdoria.

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Inter President Giacinto Facchetti has angrily stated that they will appeal Adriano’s two-match ban for slapping an opponent.

“We will launch an urgent appeal because we do not consider this ban to be just,” announced the Nerazzurri legend.


The Brazilian was caught on camera striking Livorno’s Alessandro Grandoni in a reaction foul during Saturday’s 0-0 draw at the Stadio Armando Picchi.


The Disciplinary Commission explained that it would’ve been a three-match ban, but he was given a more lenient punishment because he had been struck on the back of the head by Grandoni during a foul leading up to the skirmish.


“This is already the third time that video evidence has been used against Inter this season. Even Grandoni said the incident in question was simply a slap on the hand from Adriano,” added Facchetti.


Walter Samuel was punished for spitting at Pavel Nedved during the Italian Super Cup win over Juventus, then Dejan Stankovic had a two-match ban for striking out at Cagliari’s Nelson Abeijon last month.


“Adriano never had any intention of hitting Grandoni, as he struck his hand and not his face when they were just a metre apart. I cannot understand how the Disciplinary Commission could’ve judged that reaction to be voluntary.”


Meanwhile, the San Siro giants are preparing for tomorrow’s Champions League trip to Amsterdam.


“We mustn’t think that Ajax are a weak team or an easy opponent, as they are 20 points clear of PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch League,” continued the Inter President.


“This is a young team that often has a tough start, but improves as the season goes on with the right organisation. They won’t have the pressure of getting a result on them on Wednesday, so it will be difficult for us.”


Facchetti also commented on reports that Inter are interested in bringing Ronaldo back to the club after Il Fenomeno warned he could leave Real Madrid.


“We are getting ready for an important game and will only talk about our own players, so it’s pointless thinking about those belonging to other sides. Right now we won’t discuss strikers, but perhaps we will in the future.”