Italy and Serbia to learn riot fate on Friday
Reuters - Friday 29 October 2010, 03:00
ZURICH - Italy and Serbia will learn their
fate later on Friday after a crowd riot forced their Euro 2012
qualifier in Genoa to be abandoned earlier this month.
UEFA's disciplinary committee, meeting in Nyon on the shores
of Lake Geneva, will hear delegations from both countries before
deciding on sanctions which could range from a slap on the wrist
to being kicked out of the competition.
Both associations will have three days to appeal if they
feel their punishment is too harsh.
The October 13 match was called off when Serbian fans threw
flares on to the pitch and at Italian supporters.
The kick-off was delayed for 35 minutes due to crowd trouble
and only six minutes had been played when two flares were thrown
on the field and the match was suspended.
UEFA president Michel Platini has called for no leniency to
be shown. "I have too many bad memories associated with violence
in football. I remind everyone UEFA has a zero tolerance policy
towards violence in stadia," he said.
Serbia want the game replayed despite precedents suggesting
the home team may be awarded a 3-0 win.