UEFA came down on Portugal like a ton of bricks yesterday - and that's good news for Ireland's World Cup 2002 qualifying campaign.

Three Portuguese stars received record suspensions which will keep them out of the game against the Republic in Lisbon on October 7.

Striker Nuno Gomes, midfielder Paulo Bento and defender Abel Xavier have been banned for a combined total of two years for their part in the mayhem which followed the extra-time penalty decision against them in the Euro 2000 semi-final against France.

German referee Gunter Benko was 'pushed and scratched' as the Portuguese players protested the penalty decision, according to the UEFA report.

Xavier, whose handball led to the concession of the penalty, has been banned for nine months and Gomes, who received a red card for his part in the protest, has been banned for eight months. Bento has been sidelined for six months.

In addition, the Portuguese federation has been fined £80,000.