Simeone banned from Europa League final

NYON, Switzerland (AP):

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone was banned by UEFA yesterday from contact with his team inside the stadium at the Europa League final. UEFA said its disciplinary panel imposed a four-game suspension for Simeone's conduct at Arsenal in the semi-final first leg last week.

Simeone had been charged with insulting a match official and improper conduct. After being sent from the dugout to the stands, he continued to communicate with his coaching staff.

He served the first game of his ban when Atletico beat Arsenal 1-0 in Madrid on Thursday to advance 2-1 on aggregate. Watching from an executive box area high in the main stand, Simeone later said he "felt what the fans feel".

Simeone will be barred from the locker room and touchline when Atletico face Marseille on May 16 in Lyon. He was also fined US$12,000.

Appeal possible

The Argentine coach can appeal the sanction to UEFA, likely next week.

Though the appeal is unlikely to clear Simeone for the Europa League final, UEFA could decide to defer future games of the suspension for a probationary period.

The ban would carry over to next season, and the next eligible game could be the Super Cup game in August against the Champions League winner - Liverpool or Real Madrid - if Atletico beat Marseille.