Arsenal striker Eduardo banned for 2 Champions League games for diving to gain penalty kick

Eduardo barred for 2 Champions League games

NYON, Switzerland — Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva has been banned for two Champions League matches for diving to earn a penalty kick in a qualifying match against Celtic.

European soccer’s governing body made the ruling Tuesday. Its disciplinary panel said the Brazilian-born Croatia forward deceived the referee. Eduardo was challenged on the play by Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc and appeared to deliberately throw himself to the ground.

Eduardo made the penalty kick and Arsenal won 3-1 last Wednesday, advancing to the group stage. He will miss Arsenal’s Group H matches at Standard Liege on Sept. 16 and at home to Olympiakos on Sept. 29.

Arsenal can appeal within three days.