UEFA announced yesterday Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been charged with “gross unsporting conduct” after headbutting Tottenham coach Joe Jordan following Tuesday’s Champions League clash at the San Siro.
UEFA’s control and disciplinary body will discuss the case against the 33-year-old Italian on Monday.
Gattuso clashed with Jordan during Spurs’ 1-0 win then confronted the former Scotland international at full-time.
Former Rangers midfielder Gattuso, who was booked during the match and also clashed repeatedly with Tottenham striker Peter Crouch, headbutted Jordan before being led away.
Gattuso’s caution, given for a rash challenge on Steven Pienaar after which the Italian repeatedly hit the turf in anger, ensures the 33-year-old will be suspended for the return leg at White Hart Lane on March 9.
That ban is certain to be extended when UEFA’s control and disciplinary body meet on Monday to discuss the case.
UEFA rules stipulate a minimum three-match ban for assault, although the governing body have the power to dole out lengthier suspensions in exceptional cases.
Gattuso’s agent Claudio Pasqualin has since stated that Jordan had used provocative language towards the midfielder prior to their clash. Spurs have declined to comment on his claims.
Andrea D’Amico, Gattuso’s other agent, told Sky Sport Italia: “Rino apologised, above all to his own fans for the effect this has on the image of Milan and his role as captain.
“He was provoked, but it is also true he showed weakness by falling into that trap. It’s one thing to be sitting on the bench and winding people up, another to be running for an hour and a half. Reactions can be dictated by tension.”
D’Amico was incensed by the British media for their vilification of former Rangers star Gattuso, whose wife is Scottish.
“From my point of view, it is important to reaffirm some people exaggerated in their criticism. Gattuso’s career speaks for itself with regards to his fair play, quite aside from the competitive vigour he has always put into the sport.
“He is a very sincere and fair person, so certain comments seem over the top to me. Rino knows when you are captain of Milan there are certain duties for the club and fans, so this is why he apologised.
“In fact,” D’Amico added, “he was a gentleman in not revealing what Joe Jordan said, because when you take an attitude like that, there’s not much to say.
“Rino didn’t kill anyone. Certain comments show more about people than mistakes made. We apologise and await any disciplinary action.”