Celtic get favourable result in UEFA probe as Dida gets 2 match ‘lay down’

It is now over a week since the momentous result that was the victory over Europe’s elite team last Wednesday night, and I am sure I speak for many when I voice the relief that we were not more harshly punished for this "moment of madness"

Taking a step back and reviewing this incident I can’t help but think that we couldn’t have got a more favourable outcome! Sure we still have to pay half of the £25,000 fine metered out by football’s governing body but the fact that we received no sanctions or further punishment is a matter for some relief.

Meanwhile AC Milan’s Brazilian Goalkeeper Dida has received a two-match ban during the hearing in Switzerland. AC Milan confirmed in a statement after the hearing that they would appeal the ban. "AC Milan announces that it intends to appeal to the UEFA Appeals Commission against the two-game ban inflicted on Nelson Dida," the statement said.

Dida's hearing was based on a paragraph of UEFA's regulations stating that "players, officials and members, shall conduct themselves according to the principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship".

Milan insisted before the hearing that Dida's late substitution following the incident had been a precautionary measure taken by the team's medical staff and that they expected no major punishment from European football's governing body.

Milan face Shaktar Donetsk in their next two matches but Dida should be available for these matches pending the appeal. This could mean that the player could miss the return of the Scottish Champions to the San Siro!

Gordon Smith was unavailable for comment.

Yours in Celtic