Frei back in dock

Switzerland striker Alexander Frei is once again in danger of missing September's World Cup Group Four qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Basel after UEFA yesterday revived its case against him for spitting at Steven Gerrard during last week's Euro 2004 game with England.

The 24-year-old had initially been charged and then cleared on the basis on two pieces of television footage but in the wake of Sunday's hearing, at which the striker was acquitted of any wrongdoing, a Swiss television station, SF DRS, produced previously unseen footage which shows he did spit.

UEFA imposed a 15-day provisional ban on the player which took effect prior to last night's game with France and they are now looking to ban him for five games. The player faces a further disciplinary hearing at which, if he is found guilty, a suspension longer than Italy's Francesco Totti's three-game ban, for a similar spitting incident, would be certain to be imposed.

In the case of the Italian, UEFA officials said they had taken into account the fact he had both admitted the offence and apologised. If found guilty now after denying the allegation and effectively calling Gerrard a liar for making the claim, Frei would be in for harsher treatment.