A Ukrainian footballer has been banned for using his mobile phone during a friendly match.
Volodymyr Kozlenko, of third-tier side Energiya Nova Kakhova, was filmed speaking on his phone, which he had hidden in his shorts, while playing against Premier League outfit Olimpik Donetsk during a friendly tournament near Kiev.
In an official statement, Olimpik said Kozlenko "got it out from time to time, called someone and conversed", and branded his actions "anti-football" and "clownery".
The Kiev Region Football Federation said on its website that Kozlenko had been suspended for the rest of the tournament and banned referee Oleksiy Drachov for failing to discipline him during the game. Drachov's assistant referees and the match delegate were also suspended.
Energiya Nova Kakhova lost the game 2-1.
Written by
Matthew Smith
Matthew Smith
