London  - Arsenal expressed their delight Monday after the two-game ban of striker Eduardo for alleged diving was overturned by European football's governing body UEFA.

The Croatia international was initially suspended after tumbling over goalkeeper Artur Boruc to win a penalty in Arsenal's Champions League victory last month over Celtic.

But on appeal the decision was overturned, leaving Eduardo available for this week's match against Standard Liege.

"We are grateful that the appeal body focused on the evidence and made the right decision in this case," the club said in a statement.

"We were able to show that there was contact between the goalkeeper and Eduardo and that the decision of the UEFA disciplinary body should be annulled. We fully support the drive for fair play in football and believe it is important that UEFA provide clear and comprehensive standards that will be consistently enforced going forward."

Eduardo was equally delighted.

"I'm very pleased that we have finally arrived at the truth," the 26-year-old told the Arsenal website.

"All we needed to do was to prove what happened, and we have managed to do that. This decision makes me feel a lot better. I certainly feel relieved now. I have had great support from my family, friends and, of course, everyone at the club."

UEFA explained the decision by admitting: "It was not established to the panel's satisfaction that the referee had been deceived in taking his decision on the penalty."  dpa