Danish Soccer Player Fined for Revealing Company Logo During Euro 2012 Match

Denmark soccer star Nicklas Bendtner has been banned for one match and fined €100,000 ($126,200) for showing the logo of a betting firm on his underwear during his celebration of a goal at the Euro 2012 soccer championship.

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The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced the decision on Monday.

Since the betting firm isn't an official sponsor of the Euro 2012 tournament, it argued that the player breached its rules for exclusive sponsorship deals and against ambush marketing by showing off a brand name in the widely televised match. Ambush marketing concerns have also been raised ahead of the London 2012 Summer Olympics.

Bendtner had pulled up his shirt during his celebration of a goal against Portugal last week, revealing the name of Irish betting firm Paddy Power on the waistband of his underpants.

The star, who plays his club soccer at London-based Arsenal, has the right to appeal the ban and fine within three days.

“It is just a pair of lucky boxer shorts that I used in the first game as well and have used before the tournament," the Irish Times quoted Bendtner as saying. "I didn’t know I was breaking any rules but I am aware of that now.”

The Danish team was eliminated from Euro 2012 Sunday night after a 2-1 defeat to Germany.