GA_googleAddSlot("ca-pub-1197233282945943", "Star_Sports_Skyscraper");

Sports

Monday October 12, 2009

England to make official complaint over Ukraine flares

DNIPROPETROVSK (Ukraine): The English FA plan to make an official complaint to FIFA, the world game’s governing body, after a succession of flares were thrown onto the pitch during England’s 1-0 defeat against Ukraine on Saturday.

Ukraine fans bombarded the England penalty area with flares throughout the first half in the Dnipro stadium and play was briefly halted after the first barrage moments into the match to allow smoke to clear.

Referee Damir Skomina stopped play again later for the same reason, and although no players were hurt the FA are determined to express their concern over the incidents.

“We have spoken with the FIFA delegate and we will be submitting a report with regard to the missiles,” FA director of communications Adrian Bevington said.

“We will be following that up with a formal complaint. It is not acceptable for any player to come under attack from sustained missile throwing and we will be forwarding that to FIFA in the next week.”

When the smoke had finally cleared, England coach Fabio Capello saw his side lose their 100% record in qualifying and the Italian felt the flares had interrupted his side’s momentum at the start.

“It happens, although I wish it hadn’t because we started well,” Capello said.

“We will have to see what happens. When we came to the stadium I saw the supporters being checked. Clearly they did not check enough.” — AFP

  • E-mail this story
  • Print this story

Sports Poll