Two-match ban for Rijkaard

FC Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has been banned from the touchline for two UEFA club competition matches for improper conduct after his dismissal in the UEFA Champions League tie against Olympique Lyonnais in France on 27 November.

One match remaining
The ban will apply to only one game – Barcelona's next match in the UEFA Champions League in the first knockout round – because Rijkaard did not exercise his function as coach, due to his automatic suspension, during the Spanish side's final Group E fixture against VfB Stuttgart on 12 December. UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body was told that in the 45th minute of the game against Lyon, Rijkaard was dismissed from the coach's technical area for contesting the decision of the referee, his conduct towards the fourth official, and for stepping outside the technical area.

As a spectator
Rijkaard, 45, will be able to follow his team's next UEFA Champions League match from the stands as a spectator. He will not be allowed in the dressing rooms, in the tunnel, in the technical area or on the pitch before and during the game. In addition, he may not communicate with the bench. An appeal may be lodged against the disciplinary body's verdict within three days of receipt of the reasoned decision.