Pinto - red carded by ref Sanchez (Allsport)
FIFA SUSPENSION FOR PINTO
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The future of Joao Pinto is looking bleaker
following a decision by FIFA'S disciplinary chiefs to provisionally
suspend the player who is accused of punching referee Angel Sanchez.
The Sporting Lisbon star was sent off in the first half of Portugal's final
group match for a crude challenge on a Korean player.
The referee claimed he was hit in the stomach immediately after by the
striker.
FIFA said in a statement: "The evidence already in possession of FIFA, ie the
reports submitted by the referee of the match, the match commissioner and the
referee inspector indicate that Joao Pinto, when shown the red card, punched
referee Angel Sanchez of Argentina in the stomach.
"The act of hitting a referee is considered to be a serious violation of the
Disciplinary Code.
"Given the serious nature of the offence of which the player is accused and
in order to take a decision in full cognisance of all facts, the Disciplinary
Committee has already requested for additional information.
"Further announcements on the matter and its procedure will be given in due
course."
Joao Pinto is thus "provisionally suspended for all match activity" until
FIFA make a final decision on the matter, meaning he could miss the start of the
Portuguese season.
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