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Greek football player has been banned from playing for his country for life after making Nazi salute on pitch. AEK Athens midfielder Giorgos Katidis, 20, made gesture after scoring winning goal for his team on Saturday. Greek Football Federation (EPO) acted swiftly in administering its punishment. EPO statement read: " player's action to salute to spectators in Nazi manner is severe provocation, insults all victims of Nazi cruelty and injures deeply pacifist and human character of game." player will face disciplinary hearing next week in which he will have opportunity to explain his side of story. It is possible he can continue playing at club level.

Mr Katidis, former captain of Greek Under-19 team, admitted that his actions were "stupid". He told reporters: "I made mistake so I will be one to pay for it. AEK is not responsible, so that is why I have decided to put myself out of team because I have now realized how much I have offended history of club." He added: "Unfortunately, I cannot take clock back, but I want to clarify that I am not fascist or neo-Nazi or racist." AEK's German coach Ewald Lienen has backed Katidis. He told Reuters news agency: "Giorgos is young kid who does not have any political ideas. He most likely saw such salute on Internet or somewhere else and did it without knowing what it means."