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Luiz Adriano faces UEFA rap for unsporting conduct

Captain Darijo Srna says Shakhtar intended to let Nordsjaelland score following Adriano’s controversial equaliser in Denmark last night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJqF0g-lF44

YouTube Credit: ChampionsLeague12TV

SHAKHTAR DONETSK STRIKER Luiz Adriano could face UEFA punishment for his controversial equaliser against Nordsjaelland.

Adriano broke one of football’s unwritten rules in Denmark last night when he chased down a ball that his team-mates had tried to sportingly return to the opposition, rounded the goalkeeper and scored to make it 1-1.

Despite furious protests from the Nordsjaelland players, the goal was allowed to stand. The Brazilian went on to complete a hat-trick as Shakhtar won 5-2, leaving in them in pole position to qualify for the Champions League knockout rounds.

UEFA confirmed this afternoon that they have opened disciplinary proceedings against Adriano who is charged with a “violation of the principles of conduct.” His case will be heard by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body next Tuesday, 27 November.

Afterwards, Shakhtar captain Darijo Srna described the goal as an “unpleasant episode.” Srna insisted that they intended to stand aside and allow Nordsjaelland to score, but the situation was misread by defender Taras Stepanenko.

“Adriano said that he did not see who played the ball to the keeper. He thought it was a Nordsjaelland player who made the pass. Then, we wanted to miss a goal, but Stepanenko stopped the opponent. Our confusion led to such an unpleasant episode.”

Stepanenko, who didn’t see Adriano’s goal, said he was not aware of plans to let the Danes score.

“To be honest, I saw that the referee stopped the game and awarded a drop-ball. Then I turned away and I do not know what happened there.

“After a kick-off following Adriano’s goal, I was supposed to let [Nicolai] Stokholm advance unchallenged when he was moving towards me, but I hadn’t been told about that in time so I picked up the ball.

“Perhaps both Adriano and I were wrong, we should have acted differently, but we somehow didn’t understand each other.”

He added: “If the match had ended 2-3, it would make sense to talk about something. But now, I think there is no point in talking about that episode, because we had a lot of chances afterwards.

“Given the scoreline, Nordsjælland should not cling to this situation.”

VIDEO: Luiz Adriano’s unsporting behaviour makes the Grinch look like Santa Claus

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