Friday, October 29, 2010

Barcelona's Pinto gets 2-game ban for fake whistle

(si.com 10-29-10)

Barcelona goalkeeper Jose Pinto has been suspended for two Champions League matches after faking the referee's whistle to fool an opponent into thinking he was offside.

UEFA says Pinto was guilty of "gross unsporting conduct'' in an Oct. 20 match against FC Copenhagen at Camp Nou.

Pinto is banned for the return match in Denmark next Tuesday and an away match against Greek club Panathinaikos on Nov. 24.

The 34-year-old 'keeper whistled, causing Copenhagen forward Cesar Santin to stop as he ran through on goal in the 26th minute when Barcelona led 1-0. The Spanish champion eventually won 2-0.

Copenhagen complained to UEFA that Pinto's action violated "all principles of fair play and respect for the game.''

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