Gilardino suspended for two matches

Fiorentina's Italian international striker Alberto Gilardino was suspended for two matches on Monday by a sports judge for the goal he scored with his forearm in his side's 3-1 victory over Serie A rivals Palermo on Sunday.

Gilardino, the leading scorer in Serie A this season with seven goals, scored the goal in the 20th minute of their match, however, the referee did not see the infringement but television images did show him using his forearm. According to the judge Gilardino intentionally touched the ball with his hand in what was a 'seriously unsporting gesture'.

Gilardino - a member of the Italy side that won the 2006 World Cup - will miss Fiorentina's next two Serie A matches against Inter Milan and Siena.


ROME, AFP