We were expecting worse. If he'd been deemed guilty of violent conduct then the ban would have been longer, but instead UEFA have recognised that there was no intent to harm. "the reckless element involved in the challenge was punishable under disciplinary law". Arsenal were going to consider an appeal against the more serious ruling, but given that he's been done for dangerous play there's no basis for such an appeal. The most we could really have hoped for from an appeal would have been to get the ban reduced to what it is now anyway.

The confirmation of the ban makes it all the more likely that Dennis Bergkamp will travel to Amsterdam for the next match.

While Thun's manager said that Robin was unlucky, the man whose head he split open has been less generous. Alen Osman says, "I don't know what he was trying to do going so high with his boots - he couldn't get the ball so I think it was the right decision from the referee as it was dangerous play. Sometimes I go to watch kick-boxing but this was not the right sport for it.".

"Couldn't get the ball...?" Only because your head popped up the way, matey. From where I sat, it didn't look like a "tackle" or "challenge for the ball" at all, simply that he was reaching up to try to control it (note to Osman: good players do that sort of thing). Still, one has to expect this kind of comment, and headlines with phrases like "horror tackle" in them, especially when the player's already got a bit of a reputation.

Elsewhere, former Gunner Patrick Vieira (also sent off on Wednesday) has been encouraging Wayne Rooney (also sent off on Wednesday) to get himself sent off more. Wise words, Paddy.