Maldini expresses Dida ban dismay
MILAN, Oct 12 (Reuters) - AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini said he could not understand why UEFA had banned goalkeeper Dida for two matches but only fined Celtic for the incident at last week's Champions League game.
Dida was punished on Thursday for playacting after a Celtic supporter ran on to the pitch in the final stages of the match and made light contact with the Brazilian, who dramatically collapsed to the floor after initially giving chase.
UEFA's disciplinary committee fined Celtic 60,000 Swiss Francs ($50,980), half of which will be suspended for a two-year probationary period, for failing to keep the fan off the pitch.
'I do not understand the difference in treatment,' Maldini told the club website on Friday.
'More than 10 years ago they would ban teams from their stadium for two games for a little bottle hitting a goalkeeper.
'Dida made a mistake but I don't understand this disparity,' added the 39-year-old, who is close to fitness after knee surgery in the close season.
Milan said on Thursday they would appeal against Dida's ban.
MILAN, Oct 12 (Reuters) - AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini said he could not understand why UEFA had banned goalkeeper Dida for two matches but only fined Celtic for the incident at last week's Champions League game.
Dida was punished on Thursday for playacting after a Celtic supporter ran on to the pitch in the final stages of the match and made light contact with the Brazilian, who dramatically collapsed to the floor after initially giving chase.
UEFA's disciplinary committee fined Celtic 60,000 Swiss Francs ($50,980), half of which will be suspended for a two-year probationary period, for failing to keep the fan off the pitch.
'I do not understand the difference in treatment,' Maldini told the club website on Friday.
'More than 10 years ago they would ban teams from their stadium for two games for a little bottle hitting a goalkeeper.
'Dida made a mistake but I don't understand this disparity,' added the 39-year-old, who is close to fitness after knee surgery in the close season.
Milan said on Thursday they would appeal against Dida's ban.
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