A Greek judge saved Olympiakos' French World Cup winner Christian Karembeu from further punishment here Thursday over the midfielder's attack on an opposing player last month.
The judge said the three-match ban given to the 32-year-old for head-butting and attempting to strangle PAOK striker Yiannakis Okkas was sufficient punishment.
The judge instead fined Karembeu's club 10,000 euros over the incident.
Karembeu faced up to a 10-match ban and a heavy fine for his moment of madness against PAOK in a Greek first division game, for which the local media dubbed him "raging bull."
After being fouled by Okkas three minutes from time Karembeu attacked the Cypriot international, first administering a blow with his head and then grabbing him round the neck before his team-mates rushed to subdue him.
His violent behaviour earned him his second red card of the season.
In his testimony last week, Karembeu told the judge that he was provoked by PAOK players throughout the match, but should not have reacted violently.
Karembeu has sat out two matches and will not play in Sunday's derby against AEK to complete his punishment. He will be available for the revenge Greek Cup match with PAOK next week.