Post by Taxigirl on Jun 19, 2004 18:57:02 GMT
news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/switzerland/3821753.stm
Switzerland striker Alexander Frei has denied spitting at England midfielder Steve Gerrard.
Uefa launched an investigation after receiving footage from a German television station of the incident.
But Frei said: "I didn't spit, I never do this. I'm an emotional player and no angel, but this is not in my character.
"Maybe I said some bad words, but that's normal on the pitch. I don't want to say anything else until after Uefa make their decision."
No complaint has been received from the England camp after German channel ZDF produced footage showing Frei knocking into Gerrard and, as he walks past the England player, apparently making a spitting motion at him.
Gerrard's reaction is to look round at Frei in astonishment and wipe the back of his neck.
A Uefa statement said: "It appears from the footage that the Swiss player might have spat at his opponent's neck." Earlier in the tournament Italy's Francesco Totti was banned for three matches after spitting at Christian Poulsen of Denmark.
The Uefa statement added: "Before issuing any disciplinary charge, Uefa wishes to collect further evidence including the statements of the parties concerned."
Uefa spokesman Rob Faulkner said: "Both parties are requested to submit their statements by 1600 GMT (1700 BST) on Saturday.
"Based on which the following may be decided: either to close the investigation for lack of evidence, or to instigate disciplinary proceedings against Frei and to submit the case to Uefa's disciplinary body."
FA spokesman Colin Gibson said on Saturday: "There will be no comment at all from the FA in response to the stories about the allegation involving Switzerland's Alexander Frei, following the game on Thursday."
Swiss team spokesman Pierre Benoit denied Frei had spat at Gerrard.
When asked, Benoit said: "No, absolutely not. England haven't complained I don't think.
"I saw the pictures on the TV and nothing happened. Uefa has asked us and I don't think that it will go any further."
Switzerland striker Alexander Frei has denied spitting at England midfielder Steve Gerrard.
Uefa launched an investigation after receiving footage from a German television station of the incident.
But Frei said: "I didn't spit, I never do this. I'm an emotional player and no angel, but this is not in my character.
"Maybe I said some bad words, but that's normal on the pitch. I don't want to say anything else until after Uefa make their decision."
No complaint has been received from the England camp after German channel ZDF produced footage showing Frei knocking into Gerrard and, as he walks past the England player, apparently making a spitting motion at him.
Gerrard's reaction is to look round at Frei in astonishment and wipe the back of his neck.
A Uefa statement said: "It appears from the footage that the Swiss player might have spat at his opponent's neck." Earlier in the tournament Italy's Francesco Totti was banned for three matches after spitting at Christian Poulsen of Denmark.
The Uefa statement added: "Before issuing any disciplinary charge, Uefa wishes to collect further evidence including the statements of the parties concerned."
Uefa spokesman Rob Faulkner said: "Both parties are requested to submit their statements by 1600 GMT (1700 BST) on Saturday.
"Based on which the following may be decided: either to close the investigation for lack of evidence, or to instigate disciplinary proceedings against Frei and to submit the case to Uefa's disciplinary body."
FA spokesman Colin Gibson said on Saturday: "There will be no comment at all from the FA in response to the stories about the allegation involving Switzerland's Alexander Frei, following the game on Thursday."
Swiss team spokesman Pierre Benoit denied Frei had spat at Gerrard.
When asked, Benoit said: "No, absolutely not. England haven't complained I don't think.
"I saw the pictures on the TV and nothing happened. Uefa has asked us and I don't think that it will go any further."