Portugal depleted by bans

The task awaiting the Republic of Ireland in their World Cup qualifier in Lisbon on October 15th was rendered marginally easier yesterday, after three Portuguese players were banned by UEFA for their part in the scenes which followed the controversial European Championship defeat by France.

Following an investigation by UEFA's disciplinary committee, suspensions were handed out to Abel Xavier (nine months), Nuno Gomes (eight months) and Paulo Bento (six months).

The Portuguese Federation was also fined 175,000 Swiss francs, the heaviest of several fines imposed on national federations since the start of the championship.

In a communique accompanying the announcement of the sanctions, UEFA said it was "disturbed" by the outbreak of violence that followed the award of a penalty which Zinedine Zidane converted to put France through to the final.

"The referee (Gunter Benko of Austria) and his first assistant (Igor Sramka of Slovenia), were pushed and harassed by Portuguese players, suffering bruising and scratching of some consideration," it read.

The fourth official, Scotland's Hugh Dallas, who intervened in a bid to protect his colleagues, was also harassed, pushed in the back and pulled by his clothing.

After the penalty had been taken, almost all of the Portuguese players ran towards the assistant referee, who was pushed and insulted. An unidentified player spat at him. Gomes gave the referee a violent push in the chest and Xavier grabbed him by the arm.

According to UEFA: "The referee then showed the red card to Nuno Gomes, whereupon Paulo Bento tried to take the red card from him by grabbing his arm. Nuno Gomes then removed his shirt and threw it in the direction of the referee."

In terms of violence, it was not the gravest of sporting incidents, but the importance of the occasion and the fact that so many Portuguese players were involved, ensured that the punishment would be heavy.

Of the three suspended players, the loss of Gomes is undoubtedly the most serious for Portugal for the start of their World Cup programme. Although scarcely rated among Europe's better strikers, he had a very successful tournament, scoring three times. The Portuguese will miss him against Ireland, but Mick McCarthy was not unduly impressed by yesterday's developments.

"It was and still is a huge game for us," he said. "Irrespective of what action UEFA took, it was never going to effect the formation of the team I hope to send out against Portugal.

"They've got a very strong squad, and anybody who doubts that only has to look at the evidence of their game against Germany here. They sent out what was essentially a second best team that day and still turned over the Germans. That was impressive."