Six players suspended after Libertadores brawl

ASUNCION, Apr 22 (Reuters) Six players have been suspended for between four and six games each following a brawl in a Libertadores Cup match between Palmeiras of Brazil and Paraguayan champions Cerro Porteno earlier this month.

Cerro Porteno defender Carlos Baez was banned for six South American club games while his team mates Jose Devaca and Jorge Achucarro were given four-game suspensions each, the South American Confederation (CSF) said on its website.

Palmeiras defender Douglas, midfielder Alceu and striker Daniel were given four matches each.

The clubs were each fined 10,000 dollars for the behaviour of their players while the CSF said that Bolivian referee Rene Ortube's conduct would be analysed.

Cerro Porteno won the match 3-2 in Sao Paulo but were eliminated.

Palmeiras, who were already qualified, face local rivals Sao Paulo in the last 16.

The fight began when Ortube sent off Baez and Douglas before the start of the second half following an incident during the halftime break.

The two players became involved in a pushing-match, sparking a brawl which held up the second half for 10 minutes.

Despite the extent of the fighting, Ortube failed to send off any more players.

REUTERS KD PM2221