International ban ends for Portuguese stars

Three Portuguese stars have ended their bans after attacking the referee at a Euro 2000 semi final defeat by France last year.

Fiorentina striker Nuno Gomes, defender Abel Xavier and midfielder Paulo Bento were suspended for excessive protests when France won a penalty in the dying seconds of extra time which won the match on the golden goal rule.

The players return to the squad to face Andorra next week in a 2002 World Cup qualifier.

The squad in full -

Goalkeepers - Joaquim Silva "Quim" (Braga) and Ricardo Pereira (Boavista)

Defenders - Rui Jorge (Sporting Lisbon), Fernando Couto (SS Lazio), Roberto Severo (Sporting Lisbon), Abel Xavier (Everton) and Litos Magalhaes (Boavista).

Midfielders - Jose Vidigal (SS Napoli), Luis Figo (Real Madrid), Rui Costa (Fiorentina), Paulo Bento (Sporting Lisbon), Costinha (AS Monaco) and Sergio Conceicao (Parma AC).

Strikers - Joao Pinto (Sporting Lisbon), Nuno Gomes (Fiorentina), Pauleta (Bordeaux), Nuno Capucho (FC Porto) and Joao Tomas (Benfica).