Post by Taxigirl on Nov 7, 2003 18:26:33 GMT
Lazio's Sinisa Mihajlovic has been suspended for eight matches by Uefa for spitting and kicking Chelsea's Adrian Mutu in the Champions League.
Mihajlovic spat in Mutu's face and also appeared to kick him while he was lying on the ground.
The incident happened during Chelsea's 4-0 win in Italy on Tuesday.
Mihajlovic was also found guilty of improper conduct towards a Uefa official after being sent off for two yellow cards.
The Serbia and Montenegro veteran was also fined £9,000 for his repeated unsporting behaviour.
The suspension will apply to all Uefa Cup matches and Mihajlovic has until midnight on 10 November to appeal.
The controversial former Red Star Belgrade player was handed a two-match ban by Uefa in October 2000 after racially abusing Arsenal's Patrick Vieira during a Champions League match.
Lazio president Ugo Longo said: "The ban is excessive considering the previous precedent.
"We will talk to the player to decide what the next step will be. In any case we'll try and get a reduction in the sentence but first we must consult Mihajlovic."
But he added: "Lazio are going to fine the player."