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UEFA want Frei provisionally suspended

June 21, 2004

UEFA want striker Alexander Frei to be provisionally suspended for Switzerland's final group match against France on Monday following the release of television footage showing him spitting at an England player.

On Sunday Frei was cleared by UEFA of a spitting charge because of lack of evidence.

Just hours later footage shown by SF DRS television in Switzerland showed Frei brushing past Steven Gerrard late in Thursday's game and spitting at the back of the England midfielder's neck.

UEFA said on Monday it had lodged an appeal against the decision by its disciplinary body to clear him.

Switzerland play their final Group B game against France later on Monday and UEFA said it wanted Frei to be suspended for the game. Both teams have a chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

"After

new video evidence came to light, UEFA said this morning that in accordance with provisions in its regulations, it has lodged an appeal against the decision of the control and disciplinary body."

"In his appeal, the UEFA disciplinary inspector requests that Frei should be suspended provisionally for today's vital Group B match against France."

A decision will be made on Monday afternoon.

Frei had strongly denied any wrongdoing. Italy forward Francesco Totti was banned for three matches last week for spitting at a Denmark player during a Group C match.

The new footage was discovered by a technician who reviewed the contents of the hard drive of a fixed camera behind a goal at the England v Switzerland game, won 3-0 by England.

Source: REUTERS
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