Uefa have dished out a three-match ban to Francesco Totti after the Italy idol was caught on camera spitting at Denmark's Christian Poulsen.

Although the Roma star may appeal, such a suspension would rule him out until the semi-final, providing the Azzurri manage to get that far.

The authorities had initially looked at slapping a four-match ban on the player but the disciplinary committee amended their original plan.

"I'm really sad for what happened and I publicly apologise," said Totti.

"I don't see myself in this video.

"I'd like you to know the true Francesco Totti is another person."

Official confirmation has yet to be received, but it seems as though Uefa are willing to dish out a heavy punishment for the offence.

Totti's lawyers claimed in defence that it was very much out of character for the forward and that the spittle did not actually hit Poulsen.


Thoughts ?

Think that's the least he deserves, he can't complain really.

personally I think Uefa have backed down a bit, as talk initially was of upto double that, but at least they've acted, now if only they acted on the eastern european countries who're blatantly racist to black players they might get some respect

quote:

Originally posted by Ian^ Uefa have dished out a three-match ban to Francesco Totti after the Italy idol was caught on camera spitting at Denmark's Christian Poulsen. Although the Roma star may appeal, such a suspension would rule him out until the semi-final, providing the Azzurri manage to get that far. The authorities had initially looked at slapping a four-match ban on the player but the disciplinary committee amended their original plan. "I'm really sad for what happened and I publicly apologise," said Totti. "I don't see myself in this video. "I'd like you to know the true Francesco Totti is another person." Official confirmation has yet to be received, but it seems as though Uefa are willing to dish out a heavy punishment for the offence. Totti's lawyers claimed in defence that it was very much out of character for the forward and that the spittle did not actually hit Poulsen. Thoughts ?

I myself have never seen totti do anything like this in a game before, neither spitting like that or making such a shocking tackle. I genuinly think it was a one off, but he should be sent home from the tournament.

As the paper rightly pointed out he will loose a fortune in marketing rights now, as nobody will want to go near him.

It's a blow for italy and I can't see them doing anything now with the best player out. I think they will loose to sweden and beat bulgaria, but may just sneak through depending on results elsewhere.

I think the most meaningful thing would be for Italy to have sent him home, would maybe have got through to him more. I am in awe of his footballing ability, but like so many of the Italians (vieri esp) he seems moody and there's no need when you have the raw talent that most people would kill for

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Originally posted by evil_bastard Think that's the least he deserves, he can't complain really.

Agreed. The tackle and the spitting was absolutely despicable, and does not belong in a sport that values fair play so much.

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3 match ban is shocking it should be much heavier. UEFA are far to inconsistent in their disciplinary procedures

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Originally posted by RubiK Cube 3 match ban is shocking it should be much heavier.

word

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Spitting is disgusting and he should be thrown out of the tornement. no more needs to be said really.

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imo he should be sent home. spitting does not belong on the football pitch and nor does dangerous play like that :/

3 matches ban is way to little, I say send him home to italy for the whole tournament!

about the match against sweden, well I dunno...of course it will affect their play but lets remember that a team does not consist of only one player, italy can still be very dangerous even without totti

it will still be a very hard match for us and I really hope that the whole swedish team will play at it's best tonight

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Originally posted by davedresden i suggest getting the gabriel & dresden prog-a-minute. in 3 easy steps you too could change the face of dance music. batteries not included. - dave

There is no question Totti should have been sent home. I am an Italian fan and have flocked to Rome from Switzerland just to see Totti play. I forget the players name but he spit in the face of Mutu and got an 8 match ban. Totti should recieve this as well. UEFA should make a set match ban for this type of insult to the game. Totti should have looked at his strip seen the Fair Play patch and packed and gone back to Rome.

Forza Italia though!

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Originally posted by FabioCannavaro I forget the players name but he spit in the face of Mutu and got an 8 match ban.

Sinisa Mihailovic

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