Although Arsenal will be looking to win both remaining games in this phase of the competition - to ensure topspot in the group, for the cash that comes with points, for future seeding, and because they always look to win - it has to be said that this isn't too bad a result. Gilles will only miss one game in the second group stage, which Arsenal are already in.

It's the second time this season that Grimandi's timing has worked out quite well. His one-match suspension for stamping on Gary McAllister's hand will be served in the Worthless Cup against Ipswich, a match which he probably wouldn't have played in anyway.

Lazio's Sinisa Mihjailovic has also been banned, for 2 matches, for racial abuse towards Patrick Vieira. It's unusual for offences like this to get punished, but once the player had basically admitted it, UEFA could hardly have done anything else. Lazio, of course, are not yet through to the next stage.

In addition to the ban, both clubs were handed fines. Arsenal's, of £8300 for late arrival onto the pitch, seems a bit petty but apparently they had to be called 3 times to come out for the second half. And presumably UEFA were trying to appear even-handed to some extent. Lazio were fined £29000 for the crowd throwing stuff at Arsenal players and officials, and for their players' roles in scuffles after the final whitsle. What is refreshing is that UEFA didn't see cause to fine Arsenal for the latter. You can bet your life that the FA would have put most of the blame on us.