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"Good News" from Channel 4:
Zlatan ban rules out Milan clash
Thursday 21 April, 2005
Francesco Totti has been given a five-match ban, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic's three-game stop rules him out of the Milan showdown.
Ibrahimovic was going to be suspended for this Sunday's trip to Lazio anyway after he was booked in the 1-0 defeat to Inter, but TV evidence was also used for his off the ball clash with Ivan Cordoba.
Not witnessed by the officials, it prompted another two-match ban that will rule the Juventus striker out of games against Bologna and Milan. It's almost certain Juve will appeal to get the suspension reduced.
That lash out on Cordoba wasn't the only incident involving Ibrahimovic during the game, as he also headbutted Sinisa Mihajlovic.
Roma captain Totti was sent off in yesterday's 2-0 home loss to Siena for striking Francesco Colonnese in an off the ball incident, but the referee's report also noted another kick at the same player earlier on.
The linesman spotted the punch and suggested the Italian international be shown his second red card of the season, making him Roma’s least disciplined player with 12 bookings completing his tally of shame.
“We will fine the maximum 30 per cent of Totti’s monthly wages,” announced Giallorossi Coach Bruno Conti. “We must also point out that he is subjected to constant provocation. He has to rise above it, but the referees should also look out for this treatment.”
The fine – which should amount to £82,000 – is a clear signal that the club is increasingly frustrated with Totti’s attitude and lack of leadership skills. He will only be able to play one more Serie A game this season - the closer against Chievo - missing out on Sampdoria, Brescia, Parma, Atalanta and the Rome derby.
“There are times in which a player has to put the club first,” continued Conti. “These incidents have to be eliminated from his game and everyone saw what happened so I am not here to defend him. Francesco also knows what he did and will have the opportunity to reflect on his behaviour.”
It is curious timing, as this afternoon Totti was also was fined £10,250 for statements made after their Week 27 2-1 defeat to Juventus, in which he accused the referee of rigging the match in favour of the Bianconeri.
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...and that is my opinion, but I could be wrong
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