Juventus’ Edgar Davids will miss the Italian season’s curtain-raising Supercup after being suspended following a ‘friendly’ pre-season punch-up.
Davids and Milan’s Cosmin Contra have both been banned by the Italian federation for their clash in a mini-tournament in Trieste.
The match had been under way only five minutes when the players tussled. Contra, angry at a heavy tackle by Davids, kicked the Dutchman on the ground and was then assailed by Davids as he was walking away.
The two were separated by team-mates but came to blows again in the tunnel after being shown the red card. Davids has been suspended for two matches and Contra for three.
In the case of Davids this means he must miss the Supercup clash with Parma in Tripoli and the first game of the Serie A season. Contra will miss the three first three Serie A matches.
The suspension has also apparently ended any possibility of Davids leaving Juventus for Roma before the season opens.
By Keir Radnedge
