By Andrew Warshaw
November 29 – One of the most bizarre instances of bad sportsmanship has been punished by UEFA with Shakhtar Donetsk’s Luiz Adriano handed a one-match ban.
The Brazilian scored a vital UEFA Champions League goal last week latching on to the ball just as teammates were trying to play it back to the Nordsjælland goalkeeper because of an injury to another Danish player.
Adriano (pictured top, left) was subsequently charged with “violation of the principles of conduct” and Shakhtar, who qualified for the knockout stage as a result of the 5-2 win in Copenhagen, said in a statement they backed the UEFA decision and were deeply disappointed by the incident.
“Shakhtar Donetsk strongly believes that fair play is a fundamental part of football,” the club said.
“Our players fully understand that they are role models for Shakhtar’s young fans and the entire football community as a whole, and such actions on their part are not acceptable.”
The controversy erupted after play was restarted with a drop ball following treatment to an injured Nordsjælland player.
Shakhtar midfielder Willian attempted to return it to the Nordsjælland defence but Adriano pounced on the pass, rounded the goalkeeper and finished into an empty net.
It led to a furious reaction from the Nordsjælland players and coaching staff and was greeted with jeers and whistles from the incredulous home crowd.
Adriano went on to score a hat-trick in Shakhtar’s 5-2 victory but will now miss the final Group E match at home to Juventus next week when the Italians need a draw to guarantee advancing further and eliminating defending champions Chelsea in the process.
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