Gattuso waiting on punishment

AC Milan's Gennaro Gattuso will discover on Monday the extent of his punishment following his extraordinary antics in Tuesday's Champions League encounter with Tottenham.

The combative midfielder faces a lengthy European ban after UEFA announced they had opened disciplinary proceedings following his clash with Spurs coach Joe Jordan. Gattuso headbutted Jordan after the final whistle of the last-16 encounter, which Spurs won 1-0 thanks to a Peter Crouch goal in the 80th minute.

Gattuso's agent Claudio Pasqualin has since stated that Jordan had used provocative language towards the midfielder prior to their clash. Gattuso later apologised for his actions, saying: "I lost control. There is no excuse for what I did. I take my responsibilities for that."

He added: "I was nervous. I didn't want to argue with players and I did it with him, but I was wrong to do what I have done."

Gattuso also picked up a yellow card during the course of a petulant performance, which also saw him clash with Crouch.

The caution - awarded for a rash challenge on Steven Pienaar after which the Italian repeatedly hit the turf in anger - ensures the 33-year-old will be suspended for the return leg at White Hart Lane on March 9.

That ban is certain to be extended when UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body meet on Monday to discuss the case, and speculation is rife as to the length of the punishment that might be handed down.

UEFA rules stipulate a minimum three-match ban for assault, although the governing body have the power to dole out lengthier suspensions in exceptional cases.