Dida UEFA ban reduced

AC Milan goalkeeper Nelson Dida has seen his European ban reduced to one game after a successful appeal.

The Brazilian received a two-match suspension after he collapsed dramatically after a fan appeared to strike him near the end of Milan's 2-1 defeat to Celtic on 3 October. The 34-year-old was stretchered off and was criticised for overreacting.

The Rossoneri appealed against the punishment that they saw as "disproportionate" and they have seen the verdict reduced by UEFA's Appeals Body.

Dida has refused to comment on the incident but apologised before the Sunday's home game against Empoli. He walked all the way round the pitch at the San Siro, pausing to bow down to every sector of the crowd. This very public apology and the supporters, who applauded the gesture, appreciated act of contrition.

Dida will now only miss this Wednesday’s clash against Shakhtar Donetsk at the San Siro, but he will be ready for the return game on November 6.

Source: C4 Football Italia / UEFA