European final bans stand but Terry can lift trophy

UEFA will not change their rules to allow the six suspended Chelsea and Bayern Munich players to play in the Champions League final despite appeals for clemency.

Chelsea captain John Terry will, however, be able to lift the Champions League trophy and collect his medal should the Blues beat Bayern, UEFA confirmed.

The England defender is suspended for the final at the Allianz Arena on May 19 following his red card against Barcelona in Tuesday’s semi-final second leg at the Nou Camp.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite having to watch the match from the stands, Europe’s governing body said Terry would be able to join in with any post-match celebrations.

The international players’ union FIFPro had called on UEFA to “acquit” the players, three from either side, who were all suspended after being cautioned during the semi-finals.

FIFPro pointed out an apparent lack of consistency in relation to Euro 2012 where UEFA will waive existing yellow cards after the quarter-finals.

Europe’s governing body insisted that the rules that were in place when the competition started must stand for the final, with any future changes needing to go through a lengthy committee process.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A UEFA spokesman said: “The regulations of the competition are established at the beginning of the competition and remain in place for the duration of the season.

“Any changes to the regulations for the future would need to be proposed by the club competitions committee and approved by the UEFA executive committee.”

The Chelsea players suspended are Branislav Ivanovic, Ramires and Raul Meireles, with Luiz Gustavo, David Alaba and Holger Badstuber from Bayern.

Terry was not the subject of FIFPro’s plea for clemency.

FIFPro spokesman Simon Barker said: “Anybody committing a serious offence in the semi-final should be awarded a red card and miss the final.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But the offences that result in a yellow card do not justify the serious punishment of missing the match of your life.

“For example, Alaba slipped over and gets the ball kicked against his hand – it is not right that such a player should miss the final because of this.

“Some people say that this will give players the license to kick all and sundry during the semi-final, but that is utter nonsense.

“Any serious offence will result in a red card and that still means exclusion from the final.”