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England: Arsenal's Van Persie handed one-match ban [Sat Sep 17th, 2005]
London (AFP) - Arsenal's Dutch attacker Robin van Persie was handed a one-match UEFA Champions League ban by UEFA after being sent off in the 2-1 win over FC Thun.
Van Persie will miss Arsenal's next group tie away to Ajax on September 27 following his reckless challenge on FC Thun defender Alen Orman at Highbury on Wednesday.
Van Persie's dismissal for 'serious foul play' by referee Grzegorz Gilewski came when he caught Orman in the face with a raised boot just before half-time.
The Dutchman proclaimed his innocence, with team-mate Dennis Bergkamp insisting that he had been going purely for the ball, while manager Arsene Wenger also criticised the referee's decision.
"Arsenal FC forward Robin van Persie has been banned for one match by UEFA's control and disciplinary committee after his dismissal for serious foul play against FC Thun," said a statement on www.uefa.com.
"The ruling means the 22-year-old Dutch international will miss Arsenal's next Champions League match, away to AFC Ajax on September 27.
"In reaching its judgment, UEFA said that while Van Persie could reasonably be presumed to have had no intent to bodily harm his opponent, the reckless element involved in the challenge was punishable under UEFA disciplinary law."
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