Lyon`s Baros gets three-match ban for nose pinching (04.05.2007)
PARIS (Reuters) - Olympique Lyon`s Czech striker Milan Baros was handed a three-match ban by the French professional football league (LFP) on Thursday for pinching his nose in front of an opponent.
Former Liverpool and Aston Villa player Baros pinched his nose in front of Stade Rennes`s Cameroon-born midfielder Stephane M`Bia and waved his hand as if he were repelling an offensive odour during the French champions` 0-0 draw at Stade Rennes on April 18.
The LFP`s disciplinary committee said in its ruling that it came to
theconclusion the gesture was not racist.
Baros is suspended until the end of the season and the sanction will take effect on Monday, the LFP said in a statement. That means the player will miss his side`s last three Ligue 1 matches.
Lyon have already made sure of winning a sixth consecutive title.
Baros has said there was nothing racist in his gesture and that he had only wanted to signify to M`Bia that he should move back and let him breathe.
Baros, 25, joined Lyon from Aston Villa in January.
