NYON, Switzerland — UEFA has banned Montpellier coach Rene Girard from one Champions League match for directing an obscene gesture at the Schalke bench after the teams drew 2-2 last week. UEFA said a second ban for improper conduct was suspended for a three-year probationary period. Girard will serve the ban — which bars him from contacting players or coaches in the stadium — when Montpellier hosts Olympiakos on Oct. 24. He was fined $6,430. UEFA said it fined Montpellier $21,900 because five players got yellow cards and fans threw missiles and fireworks. — AP
