Football: Hendry's international ban reduced

FIFA today reduced Colin Hendry's international ban to three matches, following a successful appeal by the player and the Scottish Football Association.

David Taylor, SFA chief executive, and Hendry's agent John Colquhoun put forward submissions to the three-man FIFA Appeals Committee in Zurich this morning.

Taylor said: "We said from the outset that, although we could not condone the player's action, the punishment was excessive.

"It was important that the SFA gave its full support to Colin, who has been an exemplary captain for Scotland.

"The committee gave us a very fair hearing and we are delighted that the incident has now been put into a proper perspective."