Post by Salem6 on Jul 30, 2004 17:08:47 GMT
ZURICH (Reuters) - Switzerland striker Alexander Frei has apologised for spitting during Euro 2004 by sponsoring a llama.
Frei was found guilty of spitting at England midfielder Steven Gerrard in the 3-0 defeat in Portugal in June after he initially denied the offence. Swiss media branded Frei a llama as the South American animal is known for spitting.
"I have taken over sponsorship of a llama in Basel Zoo so that in future llamas do not spit," Frei said in a letter published on the website of Swiss daily Blick on Friday.
"I have learned a lot. This period has not been easy for me and I have needed support. Yes, I spat, and for that I must apologise."
Frei, who plays his club soccer for Stade Rennes in France, was initially cleared after an investigation but was handed a three-match ban when new television evidence was presented.
The Swiss Football Federation (SFV) was heavily criticised over the incident after it emerged Frei had told press spokesman Pierre Benoit that he had indeed spat at Gerrard.
The SFV have appointed lawyer Ulrich Faessler to investigate the train of events.
www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?type=sportsNews&storyID=5828329&src=eDialog/GetContent§ion=news
Frei was found guilty of spitting at England midfielder Steven Gerrard in the 3-0 defeat in Portugal in June after he initially denied the offence. Swiss media branded Frei a llama as the South American animal is known for spitting.
"I have taken over sponsorship of a llama in Basel Zoo so that in future llamas do not spit," Frei said in a letter published on the website of Swiss daily Blick on Friday.
"I have learned a lot. This period has not been easy for me and I have needed support. Yes, I spat, and for that I must apologise."
Frei, who plays his club soccer for Stade Rennes in France, was initially cleared after an investigation but was handed a three-match ban when new television evidence was presented.
The Swiss Football Federation (SFV) was heavily criticised over the incident after it emerged Frei had told press spokesman Pierre Benoit that he had indeed spat at Gerrard.
The SFV have appointed lawyer Ulrich Faessler to investigate the train of events.
www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?type=sportsNews&storyID=5828329&src=eDialog/GetContent§ion=news