Source: Shanghai Daily
06-19-2008 09:30
Special Report: 2008 European ChampionshipsGBEIJING, June 19 -- Germany coach Joachim Loew has been banned from the touchline for today's Euro 2008 quarterfinal with Portugal after being "sent off" in its last Group B match, the German football federation said yesterday.
Loew was ordered to watch the second half of Germany's win over Austria on Monday from the stands after arguing with the fourth official just before halftime. Austrian counterpart Josef Hickersberger was similarly banished from the touchline.
"I have to acknowledge the UEFA decision and would not like to comment on it. Naturally I'm extremely disappointed," Loew said in a DFB statement on its Website.
DFB president Theo Zwanziger said: "It certainly wasn't an easy decision for UEFA and they spent a lot of time considering the issue before reaching their ruling."
Also, Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Demirel has been banned for two matches and will miss the Euro 2008 quarterfinal against Croatia and a possible semifinal, UEFA said yesterday.
Volkan was red carded in stoppage time in Turkey's dramatic 3-2 Group A victory over Czech Republic on Sunday after he pushed striker Jan Koller to the ground in an off-the-ball incident.
Turkey coach Fatih Terim backed Swedish referee Peter Frojdfeldt and said 2002 World Cup keeper Rustu Recber would take Volkan's place against Croatia in Vienna tomorrow.
UEFA said the Turkish soccer federation had also been fined 44,000 Swiss francs (US$42,150) due to the "improper conduct of supporters, players and officials" during and after the Czech Republic match.
UEFA spokesman Rob Faulkner said Turkey could appeal against both the ban and the fine "in writing within 24 hours."
Editor:Xiong Qu
