Nick's Knickers Get UEFA's Pants In A Bunch

UEFA have confirmed that Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner will face punishment for flashing some corporately branded underpants after scoring his country's equaliser in the 3-2 defeat to Portugal on Wednesday. After heading in his second goal of the game, Bendtner lfited his shirt to reveal the waistband of his undergarments bearing the name of a well known betting company.

A UEFA statement read, 'UEFA has today announced that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Denmark's Nicklas Bendtner for improper conduct (Law 4 of the Laws of the Game) at the UEFA EURO 2012 Group B match against Portugal in Lviv on Wednesday 13 June.

'The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with this case on Monday.'

Rather unconvincingly, the Danish striker claimed, '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.'

The betting company had released a statement on Wednesday night congratulating Bendtner on scoring the goal, all but confirming the publicity stunt- which will now no doubt have doubled in effectiveness with Bendtner in disciplinary trouble over the matter.

The Danish FA, who have a sponsorship deal with a rival bookies, said: 'We have spoken to the player and he will not play in those [underpants] against Germany on Sunday.'

Following on from Umbro's heart warming statement this week that they'd cater for boss Roy Hodgson's comfort because of his choice of footwear did not carry their logo.

Whilst trivial matters, such as monkey noises made at black players in open training sessions is swept under the carpet, it's good to see the governing body getting to grips with the real issues that blight the game and protecting our sensibilities. Thanks UEFA. LD.

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