Arsenal have confirmed their intention to appeal against the two-match Champions League ban against Eduardo for allegedly diving to win a penalty last week against Celtic.
Uefa, European football's governing body, opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatia international for "deceiving the referee" following a challenge from Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc when there appeared to be only minimal contact.
Referee Manuel Mejuto Gonzalez awarded the penalty, which Eduardo converted himself to set Arsenal on their way to a comprehensive 3-1 win.
Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith and Celtic players called for retrospective action and, even though the offence would normally only have warranted a yellow card, Uefa launched proceedings that have now led to a two-match ban.
Arsenal are unhappy with the process and the apparent inconsistency in charging Eduardo. They also contest the allegation that their player was guilty of a deliberate dive.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has already accused Uefa of launching “a witch-hunt” against his player, while the club today issued a strongly-worded statement in response to Uefa’s ruling.
"The club is in receipt of Uefa's reasoned decision in relation to the charge against Eduardo," the statement read. "We strongly believe that the decision taken is deeply flawed and not based on any forensic review of the video evidence available. There are obvious errors and inconsistencies in Uefa's judgment and we intend to appeal."
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