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A Greek football player has been from for his country for life after a Nazi salute on the pitch. AEK Athens midfielder Giorgos Katidis, 20, made the gesture after the winning goal for his team on Saturday. The Greek Football Federation (EPO) swiftly in its punishment. An EPO statement read: "The player's action to to spectators in a Nazi manner is a severe provocation, all the victims of Nazi cruelty and the deeply pacifist and human character of the game." The player will a disciplinary hearing next week in which he will have the opportunity to his side of the story. It is possible he can continue playing at club level.

Mr Katidis, a former captain of the Greek Under-19 team, that his actions were "stupid". He told reporters: "I made the mistake so I will be the one to for it. AEK is not responsible, so that is why I have to put myself out of the team because I have now how much I have the history of the club." He added: "Unfortunately, I cannot take the clock back, but I want to that I am not a fascist or neo-Nazi or racist." AEK's German coach Ewald Lienen has Katidis. He told the Reuters news agency: "Giorgos is a young kid who does not have any political ideas. He most likely such a salute on the Internet or somewhere else and did it without what it means."