Probe into Italy football violence

Nyon (Switzerland), Oct 14 (IANS/AKI) European football’s governing body Wednesday said it will open an investigation into the violence at the Serbia-Italy match in the northwest Italian city of Genoa that prompted referees to end the game after six minutes.

The European Championship 2012 qualifying match ended after visiting fans threw flares and fireworks on the playing field, smashed windows and barriers and burned flags.

The alleged instigator of the riots was among the 17 arrests, but violent clashes continued through the night.

“UEFA has confirmed today (Wednesday) that it has immediately opened a full and thorough disciplinary investigation into the incidents of serious disorder witnessed at the match and the circumstances surrounding it,” the Nyon, Switzerland organisation said in a written statement posted on its web site.

The UEFA disciplinary will hold a hearing on the Genoa game Oct 28 and may issue sanctions that can include a fine and “disqualification from competitions in progress and/or exclusion from future competitions”, the statement said.

In Genoa, police gave warnings to 35 people and identified 138, over the violence in protest at the Serbian team, which appeared to be pre-meditated. Serbia lost 3-1 at home to Estonia last Friday and the Union of European Football Association may award Italy a 3-0 forfeit victory in Tuesday’s aborted match.

–IANS/AKI