UEFA charges Montpellier coach Girard for gesture

Rene Girard and Montpellier are in third place in Group B after two matches.

Claude Paris/AP

NYON, Switzerland (AP) -- UEFA has opened a disciplinary case against Montpellier coach Rene Girard after he appeared to direct an obscene hand gesture at the Schalke bench after a Champions League match.

UEFA says Girard is charged with "improper conduct,'' and Montpellier must also answer for its fans setting off fireworks at the Gelsenkirchen stadium on Wednesday.

The UEFA disciplinary panel will deal with the case next Tuesday.

Television pictures showed a heated exchange between Girard and Schalke coach Huub Stevens after the 2-2 draw.

Stevens later said that during the match Girard was "calling for a yellow card after every foul and that's not fair.''

Montpellier equalized in the 90th minute after having a player sent off early in the second half.

The French club is making its Champions League debut.

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