SVEN WISHES RIO WAS WITH HIM

Last updated : 13 June 2004 By Editor

"I feel sorry we could do nothing after the decision was made to ban him because we had no one to talk to about it. That is not right.

"It was a hard verdict on Rio. He was punished by someone independently who did not take other matters into account.

"And nobody could speak out for the player. It isn't good, of course, and something needs to be done. The fact that there are no strict UEFA and FIFA rulings on this matter left this decision open to an individual's judgment which didn't necessarily relate to the action.

"There should be specific fines for whoever doesn't attend these tests or is found guilty.

"These rules should apply to all country members involved because at the moment this isn't happening.

"Of course, I believe in Rio's innocence. I believe he simply forgot to take the test and that's it.

"There was another test which proved he was not guilty. In fact, I don't think there are many people in England who don't believe in Rio."