Uefa confirms Luiz Adriano charges

Posted Thursday, November 22, 2012 by Goal.com

The Brazilian striker, who scored a hat-trick, is to face disciplinary action after his opening goal was seen by many as going directly against the spirit of fair play

Uefa has confirmed that Shakhtar Donetsk forward Luiz Adriano will face conduct charges following his first strike against Nordsjaelland in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The attacker raced on to a ball, that was intended to be given back to the home side following an injury, before rounding goalkeeper Jesper Hansen to equalise for the visitors.

The goal was met with widespread derision and football's European governing body issued a statement on Wednesday that read: “Luiz Adriano faces charges for violation of the principles of conduct (Article 5, Uefa Disciplinary Regulations), and his case will be heard by the Uefa Control and Disciplinary Body on Tuesday 27 November.”

Mircea Lucescu's side eventually ran out 5-2 winners at the Parken Stadium and sealed their place in the last 16 of the competition.

But the Romanian coach apologised for the disputed strike after the game.

He said: "I'm very sorry that we scored a goal that caused so much controversy. Luiz Adriano told me that his instinct made him score the goal.

"Afterwards, we let our opponents back into the match, but [Taras] Stepanenko did not understand our instructions. Fortunately, it was quickly settled.

"We deserved to win as we were the better team. Again, I apologise for what happened in [the build-up to] Adriano's goal."

The 67-year-old was angered though, by suggestions that the Brazilian should face punishment from the club.

He replied to a reporter: "Have you ever played football to ask me these questions? It was a mistake that happened during the game.

"We are very proud of this victory and it should have been 10-2! I apologised, what else do you want me to do?"