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

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