MILAN, Oct 22: AC Milan goal-keeper Dida’s two-match Champions League ban for feigning injury against Celtic was reduced to one game on Monday. A statement on Milan’s website said the club’s appeal had been partially upheld and the player would only miss Wednesday’s home fixture with Shakhtar Donetsk.

Dida fell dramatically to the ground after chasing a Celtic fan, who had run on to the pitch to celebrate his team’s late winner in a 2-1 victory on Oct 3 and appeared to make light contact as he slapped the Brazilian round the neck.

UEFA’s disciplinary body banned Dida for two games and fined Celtic $57,000, half of which will be suspended for two years, for failing to keep the fan off the pitch.

Milan immediately indicated they would appeal, saying the ban was excessive and the real villain was the fan.—Reuters