UEFA have suspended Valencia's David Navarro for seven months for his role in the on-pitch brawl which marred the Spanish club's Champions League game against Inter last week.
The disciplinary body announced the decision overnight after examining the official reports of the delegate and referee, along with video evidence.
European football's governing body also fined the Primera Liga club 250,000 Swiss francs ($250,000), but opted not to impose a stadium ban which will come as a huge relief for Valencia with a quarter-final tie against Chelsea looming.
Navarro, who was a non-playing substitute in the match, sparked the melee when he punched Inter's Nicolas Burdisso.
It was later discovered the Argentinian had broken his nose.
After the punch, players from both teams quickly becoming involved.
Burdisso and team-mate Maicon have been banned for six matches, while Valencia defender Carlos Marchena received a four-match ban.
The disruption continued in the tunnel with Inter players attempting to get into the Valencia dressing room to confront Navarro.
Italian champions Inter have been fined 250,000 Swiss francs ($259,000), with further suspensions handed out to Colombian international Ivan Cordoba (three matches) and Julio Cruz (two).
UEFA will now ask FIFA to extend the ban imposed on Navarro to also include international matches. The suspension imposed on all the other players will only apply to UEFA competitions.
Appeals can be lodged against any of the decisions within three days.
Navarro had expected a substantial penalty for his actions, saying: "It is logical that UEFA will punish me. I have to be prepared for any outcome and I want to send my apologies to UEFA, to the club and mainly to Burdisso."
Speaking at a press conference the day after the goalless draw, which saw Los Che advance on away goals, the 26-year-old said: "The first thing I want to do is to publicly apologise, I do not feel good about what happened.
"It was a lack of respect to everyone in football, for the fans, the club. I want to say sorry to the player involved - Burdisso.
"They are bad moments. I have never been an aggressive player, never have I been sent off for that reason and there is little I can say.
"It is not an example for young players to follow."
Valencia president Juan Soler has confirmed the club will appeal against the sanctions. He vowed: "We have three days to evaluate UEFA's ruling but I can tell you that we will appeal."
Valencia's Spain goalkeeper Santiago Canizares feels a seven-month exclusion from all forms of the game would be excessive.
He told PA Sport: "This is a big inconvenience for us in view of the Champions League and also the domestic competition because we have several players currently injured as well.
"I consider the punishment to be excessive although having said that, both players (Navarro and Marchena) made mistakes.
"But they were ashamed of what they did and they showed remorse.
"I believe to not allow a player to play for seven months is extremely harsh.
"To stop anyone from doing their chosen profession for such a long time, and especially a footballer, is a big blow."
European football's governing body also fined the Primera Liga club 250,000 Swiss francs ($250,000), but opted not to impose a stadium ban which will come as a huge relief for Valencia with a quarter-final tie against Chelsea looming.
Navarro, who was a non-playing substitute in the match, sparked the melee when he punched Inter's Nicolas Burdisso.
It was later discovered the Argentinian had broken his nose.
After the punch, players from both teams quickly becoming involved.
Burdisso and team-mate Maicon have been banned for six matches, while Valencia defender Carlos Marchena received a four-match ban.
The disruption continued in the tunnel with Inter players attempting to get into the Valencia dressing room to confront Navarro.
Italian champions Inter have been fined 250,000 Swiss francs ($259,000), with further suspensions handed out to Colombian international Ivan Cordoba (three matches) and Julio Cruz (two).
UEFA will now ask FIFA to extend the ban imposed on Navarro to also include international matches. The suspension imposed on all the other players will only apply to UEFA competitions.
Appeals can be lodged against any of the decisions within three days.
Navarro had expected a substantial penalty for his actions, saying: "It is logical that UEFA will punish me. I have to be prepared for any outcome and I want to send my apologies to UEFA, to the club and mainly to Burdisso."
Speaking at a press conference the day after the goalless draw, which saw Los Che advance on away goals, the 26-year-old said: "The first thing I want to do is to publicly apologise, I do not feel good about what happened.
"It was a lack of respect to everyone in football, for the fans, the club. I want to say sorry to the player involved - Burdisso.
"They are bad moments. I have never been an aggressive player, never have I been sent off for that reason and there is little I can say.
"It is not an example for young players to follow."
Valencia president Juan Soler has confirmed the club will appeal against the sanctions. He vowed: "We have three days to evaluate UEFA's ruling but I can tell you that we will appeal."
Valencia's Spain goalkeeper Santiago Canizares feels a seven-month exclusion from all forms of the game would be excessive.
He told PA Sport: "This is a big inconvenience for us in view of the Champions League and also the domestic competition because we have several players currently injured as well.
"I consider the punishment to be excessive although having said that, both players (Navarro and Marchena) made mistakes.
"But they were ashamed of what they did and they showed remorse.
"I believe to not allow a player to play for seven months is extremely harsh.
"To stop anyone from doing their chosen profession for such a long time, and especially a footballer, is a big blow."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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