[goldenHuddlestone]

Santos goalkeeper Fabio Costa, originally banned for seven games after insulting his teams fans during a match and fighting with them afterwards, had his suspension cut to two games on Thursday. However, Santos said the burly goalkeeper, who is free to play having already served three games, would not be able to play against Sao Caetano on Saturday because of injury. Santos said on their official website that a disciplinary tribunal had reduced his ban on appeal but that he was still suffering from a shoulder injury.

The incidents happened during the 1-1 draw at home to Fluminense on Sept. 20. Costa was jeered after his blunder led to Fluminenses goal and responded with insulting gestures to the fans as he left the field. On leaving the stadium one hour later, Costa lashed out at a group of around 15 supporters who were waiting for him at the dressing-room entrance. He was set upon by the fans, who were pulled away by club security men, and left with a bruised cheek. Santos are third in the Brazilian championship, eight points behind leaders Sao Paulo with eight games to play.