El Hadji Diouf escaped with a two-match ban last night for spitting at Celtic supporters after UEFA deemed the Liverpool striker had been provoked by fans during last week's draw at Parkhead.

To compound Celtic's sense of bemusement at the leniency of the punishment, the Scottish champions were fined £2,300 by European football's governing body for the conduct of two of their supporters in the dying moments of that tie. The pair attempted to enter the playing surface to confront the Senegalese international and were arrested, though no charges are to be brought against either.

"The provocative behaviour of the spectators was taken into account as a mitigating circumstance," said a UEFA spokesman, who confirmed that the incident was not included in the referee's match report. "The committee studied video footage of the incident, in which Diouf unintentionally fell on spectators.

"The footage showed that Diouf was touched on the head by fans while trying to stand up, and then turned and spat towards the spectators in question. As a result the control and disciplinary body ruled that he was guilty of improper conduct."

UEFA, who appeared to set a precedent by handing the Celta Vigo midfielder Peter Luccin a four-match ban for spitting in the Celtic forward John Hartson's face last December, had initially indicated they would enforce a five-match suspension for the offence. However, after the 22-year-old offered a public apology and was fined two weeks' wages - around £60,000 - that stance has mellowed.

Liverpool refused to comment last night but will not appeal the decision, which effectively sees their African footballer of the year sitting out a one-match ban given that Gerard Houllier had already indicated that he would not be considered for selection in tomorrow's second leg. Scotland's procurator fiscal is likely to announce whether they intend to charge Diouf with breach of the peace by the end of the week.

Across Glasgow, Rangers defender Lorenzo Amoruso was banned for four matches - a straight two-match suspension plus 12 penalty points, which took the Italian over the threshold for another two-game ban - for spitting at the Ayr striker James Grady during a Scottish Cup tie last month.

Despite the centre-half denying the charge, the Scottish Premier League leaders will not appeal against the decision to ensure Amoruso will be available to return in time for the potentially pivotal fourth Old Firm league encounter of the season.

Guardian Service