Sporting's Bojinov Punished for Pushing Team Mate Aside

Sporting Lisbon player Bulgarian Valeri Bojinov celebrates the scoring of a goal against FC Zurich during their UEFA Europa League match held at Alvalade Stadium, Lisbon, Portugal, 01 December 2011. EPA/BGNES

Sporting Lisbon's Bulgarian forward Valeri Bojinov has found himself in deep trouble after shoving a team mate aside to to take a penalty – and missing.

"Taking into account what happened at the end of the match, Sporting's management has decided to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Bojinov," the club has said in a statement.

The Bulgarian international striker has been expelled from Sporting's first team, according to the Bulgarian Darik radio.

On Thursday, Sporting ended in a 1-1 home Cup draw with lower-tier side Moreirense. In the injury-time, Bojinov decisively pushed his team's habitual penalty-taker Matias Fernandez, only to see his vital spotkick saved.

"I saw some pushing and shoving and then things calmed down. But that increased the pressure on Bojinov and gave me an opportunity to shine," Moreirense goalkeeper Ricardo Ribeiro has commented.

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