Soccer
UEFA reduce Mourinho ban
2011-07-30 07:13
Nyon - UEFA have reduced a ban imposed on Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho for comments made about referees in last season's Champions League following an appeal hearing on Friday.
The Portuguese was initially handed a ban of four matches, plus one suspended for three years, as well as a fine of 50 000 euros ($72 000) after he was sent from the bench during Real's 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final first-leg on April 27.
UEFA also punished him for an "inappropriate statement" in his post-match press conference.
However, after a six-hour hearing at UEFA headquarters, the fine remains in place, but the suspension has been reduced to three matches, plus two suspended.
A 20 000 euro ($29 000) fine handed down to Real Madrid for the "improper conduct of their supporters" in the same game remains in place.
Mourinho has already served one of the three games, as he was banned from attending the second leg of the bad-tempered tie against the eventual winners of the competition at the Camp Nou.
He will now miss the first two matches of this season's group stage before being free to take his place in the dugout once again.