Navarro ban extended to all games

Adjust font size:

MADRID, Spain -- Valencia defender David Navarro has been banned from football for seven months after FIFA agreed to UEFA's recommendation to extend his punishment to all international as well as domestic matches.

Valencia said in a statement on their Web site that FIFA had notified them of the decision on Tuesday.

Navarro was handed the UEFA ban after running on to the pitch and punching Inter Milan midfielder Nicolas Burdisso during a mass brawl after his side clinched a place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League with a 0-0 draw at the Mestalla.

Navarro's Valencia teammate Carlos Marchena, who appeared to kick out at Burdisso as the two argued after the final whistle, was suspended for four matches for his part in the incidents.

Burdisso and Inter team mate Maicon were banned for six matches, defender Ivan Cordoba for three and striker Julio Cruz for two, while Valencia and Inter were fined 155,772 euros ($206,800).

All six players involved in the incidents have been summoned to appear before a UEFA Appeals Body hearing on March 28.

Valencia said they would appeal against the decision.

"Valencia will continue with its appeal to UEFA in the hope that its arguments over the sanctions to David Navarro and Carlos Marchena will be heard," said the Spanish club.

"The club would like to reiterate its determination to defend the rights of its players and to do all it can so that the sanctions are in strict accordance with existing rules."

Navarro said after the incident that he was ashamed by his behaviour.

"I very much regret what I did," he said. "I'm upset because I've never done anything like this in my life before nor will I again.

"I will accept whatever punishment they give me."

Desecrated cemetery declared crime scene A Cook County cemetery where hundreds of graves were dug up and allegedly resold has been declared a crime scene, meaning that relatives of people believed ...

---

• Couple who adopted 12 found slain
• Cemetery declared crime scene
• Cabin smoke forces jet evacuation
• Swim club head: We're not racists
• Is 'overweight' relative?

• Couple who adopted 12 children found slain
• Smoke prompts evacuation of British Airways jet
• Ghana buzzes with excitement over Obama visit
• Swim club president says 'no racism'
• Jackson's boyhood home pays tribute

• Talkin' 'Icky Thump' blues (1:40)
• 'Why you treat yourself bad?' (3:15)
• Soviet culture returns (3:47)
• Unseemly rap lyrics targeted (3:29)
• Now In The News