Sinisa Mihajlovic faces UEFA disciplinary action after spitting in the ear of Chelsea's Adrian Mutu during the Blues' 4-0 rout of Lazio in Rome last night.
The veteran defender was a constant source of controversy during the Champions League tie and was eventually sent off after committing three fouls on Ireland's Damien Duff in the space of three minutes.
However, it was his actions before his sending off that could see his ban extended. The 37-year-old was caught on camera stamping on Mutu as the Romanian lay on the ground and then spitting in his face after receiving an elbow from the Chelsea frontman.
Lazio boss Roberto Mancini issued a public apology on Mihajlovic's behalf but till sought to excuse his behaviour as reacting to provocation: "Unfortunately, I didn't really see what happened but I have heard that perhaps Mutu first used his elbow.
"If, however, Sinisa then spat at him then it is a very serious thing and he ill pay for it, I'm sure. I'm very sorry as he's a very nice man who doesn't normally do that sort of thing," Mancini declared.
The veteran defender is no-stranger to controversy and has previously been found guilty of racially abusing Arsenal's Patrick Vieira during a European tie.
Filed by Ciaran Walsh
