By Andrew Warshaw
June 18 – UEFA’s strict rules against any suggestion of ambush marketing were made starkly clear today when Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner was banned for one competitive match and fined €100,000 (£80,000/$126,000) for his goal celebration in the 2012 European Championship game against Portugal.
The Arsenal forward lowered his shorts to reveal the name of a well-known betting company on his underpants after scoring the second of his two goals.
“This suspension applies to the next 2014 FIFA World Cup match for which Bendtner (pictured above) is eligible,” UEFA said.
Law 4 of the Laws of the Game stipulates that: “Players must not reveal undershirts which contain slogans or advertising.
“A player removing his jersey to reveal slogans will be sanctioned by the competition organiser.”
And Article 18.18 of the regulations for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine adds: “All kit items worn during the final tournament must be free of any sponsor advertising.”
Denmark, who were eliminated from Euro 2012 yesterday, play the Czech Republic in their first World Cup qualifier in September.
Following the match against Portugal, Bendtner, who has three days to appeal, said he made no deliberate attempt to promote the company.
“It is just a pair of lucky boxer shorts that I used in the first game as well and have used before the tournament,” he said.
“I didn’t know I was breaking any rules but I am aware of that now.”
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