UEFA to Probe Incident at Georgia- Ireland Soccer Match

(Tbilisi. March 31, 2003. Civil Georgia) – UEFA is to launch a disciplinary inquiry into crowd incidents during March 29 UEFA EURO 2004 qualifying match between Georgia and the Republic of Ireland in Tbilisi, UEFA reported today.

European football?s governing body said it would especially be examining an incident in which Republic of Ireland player Kevin Kilbane was apparently struck by a pen-knife thrown from the crowd at the match.

A series of other incidents were reported at the game, which the Irish won 2-1.

?We have already examined the referees? report, which does refer in particular to an incident involving a pen-knife,? UEFA communications and public affairs director Mike Lee said.

?UEFA will refer this matter to our Disciplinary Body for further action to be considered.?

Russia, which is also in qualification group with Georgia, also has expressed concerns about its match in Georgia on Apr. 30. That match was originally due to take place last October but was abandoned because of the power failure.

“At this point we are asking to create normal conditions for playing matches,” general secretary of the Russian Soccer Union Vladimir Radionov said as quoted by Associated Press.

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