Arsenal set to fight Eduardo ban

Eduardo wins a penalty after going down in the penalty area

Arsenal have confirmed they will appeal against the two-match ban given to striker Eduardo by Uefa for diving to win a penalty against Celtic.

The Croatia forward was found guilty of deceiving the referee as he fell under the challenge of goalkeeper Artur Boruc in the Champions League encounter.

In a statement, Arsenal called the decision by European football’s governing body “deeply flawed”.

Boss Arsene Wenger had already accused Uefa of conducting a “witch-hunt”.

“The club is in receipt of Uefa’s reasoned decision in relation to the charge against Eduardo,” the statement said.

606: DEBATE Arguing the footage released so far isn’t evidence of Eduardo deceiving the ref is like Dean Richards arguing the fake blood capsules were just an elaborate practical joke arrogantio

“We strongly believe that the decision taken is deeply flawed and not based on any forensic review of the video evidence available.

“There are obvious errors and inconsistencies in Uefa’s judgment and we intend to appeal.”

Arsenal are understood to have made a 19-page submission to Uefa ahead of the original hearing, which clearly made little impact on the panel.

Following the announcement of Eduardo’s ban, Arsenal criticised the “arbitrary process” followed by Uefa.

In charging Eduardo, Wenger claimed Uefa had set off on a dangerous path, whereby any decision made by an official can now be contested after the match.

Should the ban be upheld, Eduardo would miss his side’s opening two Champions League group matches, at Standard Liege on 16 September and at home against Olympiacos on 29 September.