Euro 2012: Nicklas Bendtner banned for underpants celebration

Nicklas Bendtner has been fined an astonishing 100,000 euros (£80,000) and banned for one competitive international fixture for displaying sponsored underwear during Denmark's game against Portugal.The Danish striker pulled up his shirt to reveal 'Paddy Power' branded underwear on June 13 in Lviv and the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body has taken drastic action against him.His ban will apply for Denmark's next 2014 World Cup qualifying match, if the 24-year-old does not appeal - he has three days to do so after the written decision is sent to him.When Porto fans racially abused Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli in the Europa League last season, they were only made to pay £16,700. Other fines for racism include Spain in 2004 (£45,000), Serbia in 2007 (£16,500) and Croatia in 2008 (£10,000).Denmark lost the game 3-2 and were dumped out of the tournament when they lost to Germany on Sunday and this will add insult to injury for the striker.Bendtner's huge fine is almost as much as Russia were docked when their fans attacked stewards during their match against Poland. UEFA took £96,000 from them for the violence which occured in the stadium, making the size of Bendtner's fine look bizarre.In a separate fine, Russia were earlier docked £24,000 for fans' misbehaviour, including displaying illicit banners in the stadium, while Croatia paid £20,000 for 'spectator incidents', including letting off dangerous fireworks and throwing missiles, as well as a pitch invasion by a supporter.Added to the £8,000 fine Germany received for their fans throwing things onto the pitch and the £4,000 Portugal coughed up for delaying the second half of their match against the Germans, it equals £56,000 - £24,000 less than Bendtner must pay.When questioned about his underwear, Bendtner, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland, said: 'It is just a pair of lucky boxer shorts that I used in the first game as well and have used before the tournament.'I didn't know I was breaking any rules but I am aware of that now.'One possible reason the fine is so high is because UEFA want to protect the interests of their sponsors. After the incident Lars Berendt, communications director of the Denmark FA, said: 'We have spoken to the player and he will not play in those underpants against Germany on Sunday. 'We have an exclusive deal [with rival betting firm, Ladbrokes] and this is, of course, a breach of it.'And it's also a breach of UEFA's commercial rules - rules against exposing personal messages.'