Referee defends dismissal of Loew

By Darren Ennis

REGENSDORF, Switzerland (Reuters) - Coaches should set a better example, Spanish referee Manuel Mejuto said on Wednesday after UEFA backed his decision to "send-off" Germany's Joachim Loew and Austria's Josef Hickersberger at Euro 2008.

UEFA's control and disciplinary body suspended both coaches for one match following their dismissal during their last Group B match. It means Loew will have to watch his team's quarter-final against Portugal on Thursday from the stands.

"I am very happy that the committee backed my decision, which was the right and only decision," Mejuto told Reuters in an interview at his training base on the outskirts of Zurich.

"All the young kids are watching and the players look to the trainers to set an example. They can give instruction when they want but they need to show respect in the technical areas and set a better example."

"I think this decision will send the right signal that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated. It will set a good example," he added.

'NO CHOICE'

Loew and Hickersberger were ordered to watch the second half of Germany's win over Austria on Monday in Vienna from the stands after arguing with the fourth official just before halftime.

"Myself and the fourth official tried to avoid this decision to send them off but we had no choice," Mejuto said.