UEFA ban Valencia's Navarro for seven months

UEFA have suspended Valencia's David Navarro for seven months for his role in the on-pitch brawl which marred the Spanish club's Champions League game against Inter Milan on March 6.

The disciplinary body announced the decision today after examining the official reports of the delegate and referee, along with video evidence.

European football's governing body also fined the Primera Liga club 250,000 Swiss francs (£106,000), but opted not to impose a stadium ban which will come as a huge relief for Valencia who play Chelsea in the quarter-finals.

After examining the official reports of the delegate and referee, as well as video evidence, the UEFA disciplinary body has also imposed bans on several other players from both teams for their part in the incidents after the final whistle.

Navarro, who was a non-playing substitute in the match, sparked the melee when he punched Inter's Nicolas Burdisso, breaking his nose.

After the punch, players from both teams quickly becoming involved.

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

The disruption continued in the tunnel with Inter players attempting to get into the Valencia dressing room to confront Navarro.

Italian champions Inter have been fined 250,000 Swiss francs (£106,000), with further suspensions handed out to Colombian international Ivan Cordoba (three matches) and Julio Cruz (two).

A statement for UEFA confirmed: 'UEFA will ask FIFA to extend the suspension imposed on Navarro to international level so that it also applies to any football competitions - including domestic leagues and national team fixtures - on top of UEFA club competition matches.

'The suspensions imposed on the other players will only apply to UEFA club competition matches.'