Mestalla melee: 7-month ban for Navarro

Updated 14.46 Wed Mar 14 2007

Keywords: Inter Milan, Valencia, fracas, Champions League brawl, melee

European football's governing body has hit Valencia's David Navarro with a seven-month ban for his role in the on-pitch brawl which marred the second leg of their last-16 Champions League clash with Inter Milan.

Both clubs have been fined £106,430 by Uefa's control and disciplinary committee which has punished five other players for their part in the urgly scenes on March 6.

Any celebrations were cut short as tempers flared at the final whistle with Valencia midfielder Carlos Marchena kicking out at Inter's Nicolas Burdisso

A melee broke out after Valencia booked their place in the quarter-finals of European club football's most prestigious competition after the home side's midfielder Carlos Marchena kicked out at Inter's Nicolas Burdisso.

Substitute David Navarro, who had not featured in the match, then ran on to the middle of the pitch and punched Burdisso, breaking his nose, adding further fuel to the fire as players from both teams quickly became involved.

Burdisso and team-mate Maicon have been banned for six European matches, while Valencia defender Carlos Marchena has been given a four-match ban.

Further European suspensions have been handed out to Inter's Colombian defender Ivan Cordoba (three matches) and striker Julio Cruz (two).

Valencia take on Premiership champions Chelsea for a place in the semi-finals of the Champions League.