Navarro banned for seven months

Valencia defender David Navarro has been banned for seven months for running on to the pitch and punching Argentine midfielder Nicolas Burdisso at the end of his side's Champions League match with Inter last week.

UEFA said yesterday that it would ask FIFA to extend the suspension imposed on Navarro to international level. It would then apply to all competitions - including domestic leagues and national team fixtures - on top of UEFA club competition matches.

Both clubs were also fined 250,000 Swiss francs ($205,400) by UEFA's control and disciplinary committee while five other players have also been punished. They have three days to appeal.

Inter defenders Nicolas Burdisso and Maicon have been banned for six UEFA club competition matches and Valencia defender-midfielder Carlos Marchena for four.

Marchena, who unlike Navarro is a regular in the Valencia first team, will miss both legs of his side's Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea.

Inter defender Ivan Cordoba and striker Julio Cruz have received three and two-match bans respectively.

Valencia clinched a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League last week on the away goals rule after holding Inter to a 0-0 draw at the Mestalla.

But tempers flared at the final whistle with television pictures showing Marchena kicking out at Burdisso after exchanging words with the Argentine.

The incident sparked a mass brawl and Navarro, who had not featured in the match, ran on to the middle of the pitch and punched Burdisso in the face. Inter later said that the punch had broken the Argentine's nose.

Several Inter players tried to trip up Navarro as he ran off the pitch and the fighting continued in the tunnel as pandemonium ensued.

Navarro said afterwards that he was ashamed by his behaviour.

Spanish media have reported that Navarro has been fined 6,000 euros by Valencia for his behaviour according to the club's internal disciplinary code. They also reported that Marchena has offered to pay half the fine.