Schalke duo punished for late party

The duo, along with midfielder Jermaine Jones, who is already suspended for the game, were spotted in a nigh club in Duisburg until early hours on Sunday.

Consequently, coach Mirko Slomka announced that Serbia defender Krstajic and Croatia midfielder Rakitic will both be banned from the game after their 'unacceptable behavior'.

"The behavior of the players is absolutely unacceptable, they know how they should prepare for a game," Slomka told the club's official site.

"We have clear rules that were broken in a massive way."

The Royal Blues' General Manager Andreas Moller has also sounded his frustration with the players' behavior, as he said that the decision is just a 'first action'.

"This is just our first action, we will discuss the matter later after the game," said the Euro 1996 champion with Germany.

"I am deeply disappointed because we always demand that players have a high degree of discipline and professionalism, but this requirement has been flouted."

The Bundesliga side is two points adrift of Rosenborg in Group B, which should see one of the two teams accompany Chelsea to the next round.