UEFA: Germany coach Loew suspended for quarter-final
Jun 18
Germany coach Joachim Loew is suspended for his side’s Euro 2008 quarter-final match against Portugal, Europe’s governing body UEFA said on Tuesday. The disciplinary code of the tournament states that any player or officials sent off is automatically suspended for one game (Article 9 of Disciplinary Regulations), in this case Thursday’s knockout match in Basle, Switzerland.
UEFA director of communications William Gaillard told a press briefing in Vienna that the organization’s disciplinary committee will be looking into the sending off of Loew on Wednesday. Loew and his Austrian counterpart Josef Hickersberger were sent off during the first half of Monday’s Group B game between Germany and Austria, which the three-time champions won 1-0 to advance to the quarter-finals, while Austria were knocked out. Loew protested his innocence and rather attacked the fourth match official for interefering all the time.
If Loew’s suspension stands, he would have no access to the players after they arrive at the stadium for their quarter-final against Portugal. He will not be allowed to communicate with the players at all in the stadium. He could though, participate in the pre- and post-match news conference. Loew said he had no explanation for the sending off and for his part issued sharp criticism on the fourth official Damir Skomina of Slovenia.
Germany take on Portugal in the first quarter final of Euro 2008 on the 20th of June. Match will be shown live on ESPN from 00.05 IST onwards.
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