LISBON, Portugal (AP) – UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Italy forward Francesco Totti for gross unsporting conduct, after he spat at Denmark midfield player Christian Poulsen during the two teams’ opening Euro 2004 match Monday.
Totti has until midnight Wednesday to submit a statement to UEFA’s control and disciplinary body, which will notify the Italian Football Federation of its decision Thursday.
“We have instigated disciplinary proceedings against Francesco Totti for gross unsporting conduct, notably a spitting offense against the Danish player Poulsen,” UEFA said in a statement, adding that the Italian federation will have 24 hours to appeal.
The move could lead to a fine for Totti or even a suspension.
Denmark tied Italy 0-0 in the opening Group C game. The Danish soccer federation lodged an official compliant with UEFA earlier Wednesday, after the incident was televised by the Danish DR TV.
Italian federation president Franco Carraro said from Rome that the team would not make any comment on the case “until UEFA has made a decision.”
There have been examples in the past when UEFA suspended players based on video evidence.
Lazio Rome defender Sinisa Mihajlovic was banned for eight matches last year for spitting at an opponent during a Champions League match. 161534 jun 04GMT
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