UEFA overturn Eduardo's diving ban

Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva has won his appeal against a two-match ban imposed by UEFA for diving in a Champions League qualifying game against Celtic.

"Following examination of all the evidence, notably the declarations of both the referee and the referees' assessor, as well as the various video footage, it was not established to the panel's satisfaction the referee had been deceived in taking his decision on the penalty," said UEFA in a statement last night.

"Therefore the decision of the UEFA control and disciplinary body of Sept. 1, in which the player was suspended for two UEFA club competition matches, is annulled," added European soccer's ruling body.

The Brazilian-born Croatian international was initially banned after winning a controversial penalty against Celtic.

Eduardo went down in the area after poking the ball past goalkeeper Artur Boruc, who dived at his feet but appeared to make little or no contact.

The Londoners eventually won 3-1 for a 5-1 aggregate victory.

Eduardo is now free to play in Arsenal's first two Group H matches at Standard Liege tomorrow and at home to Olympiakos Piraeus on September 29.