Diouf given two-match ban for spitting at fans

The Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf has been banned for two matches for spitting at Celtic supporters last week.

Uefa's disciplinary panel imposed the ban yesterday, but took into account provocation by Celtic fans, and fined the Glasgow club £2,300 for their supporters' conduct during the incident. Diouf will be suspended for tomorrow's Uefa Cup quarter-final, second leg at Anfield although the Liverpool manager, Gérard Houllier, had already decided not to select the 22-year-old striker.

A statement by Uefa said: "The body studied video footage of the incident, in which Diouf unintentionally fell on spectators. The footage showed that Diouf was touched on the head by fans while trying to stand up, and then turned and spat towards the spectators in question. The Control and Disciplinary Body ruled that Diouf was guilty of improper conduct, but added that the provocative behaviour of the spectators should also be taken into account."

The Everton manager, David Moyes, is lining up a bid for the Celtic midfielder Stilian Petrov in the close season. The Bulgarian is in contract dispute at Parkhead and is the type of mobile and skilful player Moyes needs for next season – when he hopes to be in European competition and have some money to spend.

Celtic would want around £6m for Petrov. Everton would not have the funds to bid that much but could compromise or even offer a swap deal.

Chelsea say they will not entertain any new contract negotiations until the end of the season – or when they know for sure whether they will be playing Champions' League, Uefa Cup or just domestic club football next term.

That means Arsenal and Manchester United, to name but two, will keep monitoring the situation of centre-back John Terry, who is seeking improved terms at Stamford Bridge.