UEFA fines Van Bommel for gestures against Real Madrid

Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel was fined EUR6,200 (US$8,200) by UEFA on Thursday for making insulting gestures to fans after scoring in the Champions League last week.

Photo: UEFA fines Van Bommel for gestures against Real Madrid

Van Bommel, who used to play for Madrid's archrival FC Barcelona, scored Bayern's late second goal in its 3-2 second-round defeat on Feb. 20 at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. He then made two inappropriate gesture to supporters.

Van Bommel also had a one-match ban suspended for one year, meaning he can play in the second leg against Madrid on March 7, reports AP.

The 29-year-old Dutchman was ordered to be "at the disposal of UEFA" to promote fair play during a youth competition later this year, European soccer's governing body said on its Web site.

Van Bommel apologized for his actions, but said he had been insulted by a Madrid player about his Barcelona connections. He didn't name the player.