Xavier ban stands

Xavier was penalised for handball in extra-time

Portuguese international Abel Xavier has failed to overturn his nine-month ban for excessive protesting at Euro 2000.

But Uefa have reduced the suspensions of Benfica striker Nuno Gomes and Real Oviedo midfielder Paulo Bento.

The pair, who were punished for similar offences during the semi-final defeat by France, have had their bans reduced by a month to seven months and five months respectively.

The suspensions apply to all Uefa club and national team competitions.

Protesting

Trouble flared against France in extra time when Slovak linesman Igor Sramka raised his flag to signal that Xavier had handled a shot from Sylvain Wiltord.

Referee Guenter Benko had initially awarded France a corner but changed his mind after consulting with Sramka.

The Portuguese players began pushing and haranguing the referee and the linesman, who were bruised and scratched in the melee.

Sramka was then pushed and insulted after Zinedine Zidane had converted the penalty which gave France a 2-1 win.

Xavier's ban runs until the end of March 2001, Gomes's to the end of January while Bento's will last until the end of November this year.