http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14613381.stm How ridiculous. In that case players should be able to choose when they can serve suspensions
Not really imo. In EPL games when punishments can be appealed outside the usual system for reds and yellows players have the opportunity to defer the suspension until the appeals process has completed. I remember in 2004 Rio chose to start his drug test suspension early, in the hope that it would be reduced on appeal and he could still play in Euro 2004. He could have chosen to defer the suspension for another few weeks whilst appealing to the drugs testing body if he wanted. The only reason you can't do the same with red and yellow card bans is that they are automatic and so the appeal can be completed in a day or two. The only ridiculous thing about the Arsenal ban is that it took UEFA three days to charge Wenger, and then another three days to impose a ban, only to say that the ban has to be started in two days time before any appeal can be heard. So he could be banned for Wednesday's game, potentially causing Arsenal to go out of the CL, and then cleared of the offence on Thursday?! What then, will UEFA compensate Arsenal for going out of the CL? Does Wenger get a 'credit' against future suspensions? To be honest mate, this just shows how badly organised UEFA are. If they tried the same thing with SAF in the second leg of a two legged European tie, I'd be ****ing steaming!
According to that link Arsenal have already appealed against the ban and their appeal was turned down.
He shouldn't have even been given the ban in the first place but i agree, it's stupid that they could negotiate when to serve the ban
The link makes it a bit confusing, but doesn't actually say the appeal was turned down, it just says that they have appealed. The original ban said they had three days to lodge an appeal, which would imply no hearing will happen until Thursday: http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/wenger-given-two-match-uefa-suspension
If Arsenal has a 5 goal lead going into the second leg, I'm sure he wouldn't be trying to appeal the ban.
I agree, but that's the point. Given how tight the game is, UEFA's useless bureaucracy is potentially going to decide who qualifies for the Champions League this season. Which should never ever happen - UEFA should just be there to do the admin, they should not be allowing uncertainty like this to affect what is basically one of the most important games of the season for Arsenal and Udinese.
Yet again it comes down to unclear rules and regulations. I don't understand why it can't be black and white- a touchline ban means no communication whatsoever. Or no communication 10 minutes prior to kick off until half time.
