MILAN, Oct 12 (Reuters) - AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini
said he could not understand why UEFA had banned goalkeeper Dida
for two matches but only fined Celtic for the incident at last
week's Champions League game.
Dida was punished on Thursday for playacting after a Celtic
supporter ran on to the pitch in the final stages of the match and
made light contact with the Brazilian, who dramatically collapsed
to the floor after initially giving chase.
UEFA's disciplinary committee fined Celtic 60,000 Swiss Francs
($50,980), half of which will be suspended for a two-year
probationary period, for failing to keep the fan off the
pitch.
"I do not understand the difference in treatment," Maldini told the
club Web site (www.acmilan.com) on Friday. "More than 10 years ago
they would ban teams from their stadium for two games for a little
bottle hitting a goalkeeper.
"Dida made a mistake but I don't understand this disparity," added
the 39-year-old, who is close to fitness after knee surgery in the
close season. Milan said on Thursday they would appeal against
Dida's ban.
