Lazio captain Stefano Mauri has branded his sixth-month ban for a failure to report match-fixing as an "injustice".
Mauri was handed the suspension following an investigation by the Italian Football Federation into two Lazio matches in May 2011.
The 33-year-old is adamant that he will fight the guilty verdict, while also sharing his relief that Lazio were spared a point-deduction and instead issued a fine of £26,400.
A statement on Mauri's official website was released this afternoon, which read: "I am happy that Lazio will not have to start the season with a point-deduction.
"But this conviction, for failing to report an incident, seems an injustice. I am confident in the next steps of the proceedings to leave this nasty episode behind me.
"Even in this situation I will fight as a captain, my goal is to take to the field with my teammates as soon as possible. Thanks to all the fans who, every day, have filled with affection and energy."
Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic must now plan for the new Serie A season without his skipper that begins with a trip to champions Juventus in just over two weeks' tine.
