Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner hit with €100,000 bill for brandishing sponsored underwear during Euro 2012 game

Nicklas Bendtner exposes his underwear after scoring for Denmark (GETTY IMAGES)

Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner has been banned for one competitive fixture and fined 100,000 euros (just over £80,000) by UEFA after he lowered his shorts after scoring in the Euro 2012 clash with Portugal.

Bendtner, 24, was found guilty of improper conduct by European football's governing body after he revealed the logo of a betting company on his underpants in the match on June 13.

It was the Arsenal man's second goal of the contest, but Portugal went on to win the game 3-2.

When questioned afterwards about the incident, Bendtner, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland, said: "It is just a pair of lucky boxer shorts that I used in the first game as well and have used before the tournament.

"I didn't know I was breaking any rules but I am aware of that now."

UEFA took a dim view, however, and Bendtner is now set to miss Denmark's opening game in World Cup 2014 qualifying.

The player has three days to lodge an appeal.

PA