Van Persie ban reduced

Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie has had his three match European ban reduced to only one after UEFA deemed that there was no intent in van Persie's challenge and have decided a one-match ban is sufficient punishment. The young Dutchman was dismissed just before half time of Wednesday's 2-1 win after catching Thun defender Alen Orman in the head with a high challenge. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had branded the decision harsh but was also aware that van Persie could receive a three-match suspension.



Van Persie will now only be suspended for Arsenal's trip to Van Persie's homeland Holland to face Ajax in the Amsterdam Arena on September 27. Arsenal have no grounds to appeal the decision, meaning Wenger is likely to ask veteran attacker Dennis Bergkamp to make the trip to Holland by ferry due to his depleted options up front.

I believe that the Van Persie's foul didn't even warent a yellow card let alone a red. I feel UEFA were right to reduce it and I think that if it wasn't reduced then it would be wrong. This is good news for Arsenal because if he had of been unavailable for three games then Arsenal could only chosse Denis Bergkamp for a striker because Thierry Henry is injured for a lenghty period of time.