UEFA drop bid to boost Keane's ban
GENEVA, Switzerland -- UEFA has scrapped plans to appeal against the one-match suspension handed to Manchester United captain Roy Keane.
The decision by UEFA not to contest its own disciplinary panel's verdict means Keane will be free to play in European competition next season.
Keane was banned for stepping on Porto goalkeeper Vitor Baia in last month's Champions League second-round defeat in Portugal.
The former Republic of Ireland star missed the second-leg against Porto, but UEFA indicated they were unhappy with the level of punishment.
Officials said the act should be considered an assault, which would mean a ban of at least three matches.
However, it has now abandoned the appeal against the sanction.
"Given the actual situation in the UEFA Champions League competition, and taking into account that Manchester United have been eliminated, there is no reason to bring the case before the appeals body," UEFA disciplinary inspector Gerhard Kapl said.
