UEFA charges Bendtner for sponsored underwear
UEFA charges Denmark forward Nicklas Bendtner for sponsored underwear stunt at Euro 2012
Denmark's Nicklas Bendtner, center, scores his side's second goal past Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio, left, during the Euro 2012 soccer championship Group B match between Denmark and Portugal in Lviv, Ukraine, Wednesday, June 13, 2012. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
WARSAW, Poland (AP) -- UEFA charged Denmark forward Nicklas Bendtner with improper conduct on Friday for revealing an unofficial sponsor's name on his underpants while celebrating a goal at the European Championship.
Bendtner is suspected of breaking Law 4 of football regarding players' kit and equipment, UEFA said in a statement. The football body's disciplinary panel will deal with the case Monday.
The striker lifted his shirt and lowered his shorts slightly, revealing the name of a betting firm across the top of his underpants, after scoring his second goal in a 3-2 loss against Portugal on Wednesday.
UEFA tournament rules for Euro 2012 also bar any sponsor advertising on players' kit.
Earlier Friday, Bendtner flashed his fresh, regulation-friendly black underpants at training, which should keep him within team and UEFA guidelines.
Bendtner got a dressing down from the Danish Football Association on Thursday for flouting team policy. The association has official ties to a rival gambling company.
Danish team officials have told Bendtner he must abide by rules with his match-day underwear when Denmark plays Germany in the final round of Group B matches on Sunday in Lviv, Ukraine. Germany tops the group with six points while Denmark and Portugal both have three. The Netherlands is last with zero points.