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Uefa probing into Russian accusations at Giggs
Cardiff, Nov 18: UEFA to investigate Russian allegations. Wales are hoping that a full house of 72,500 at the Millennium Stadium will cheer them on to victory in their Euro 2004 playoff second leg match against Russia on Wednesday (November 19).
Cardiff, Nov 18: UEFA to investigate Russian allegations. Wales are hoping that a full house of 72,500 at the Millennium Stadium will cheer them on to victory in their Euro 2004 playoff second leg match against Russia on Wednesday (November 19).
The Welsh held Russia to a 0-0 draw in Moscow in the first leg on Saturday. The winners qualify for next year's finals in Portugal while a score draw will benefit the Russians on the away goals rule.
UEFA will look at video evidence before deciding whether to punish Wales winger Ryan Giggs for an alleged elbowing incident during the first leg.
Russia want Giggs suspended for Wednesday's second leg in Cardiff, claiming that he elbowed defender Vadim Yevseyev in the face midway through the second half of the 0-0 draw.
Alexander Tukmanov, executive director of the Russian Football Union (RFU), said on Monday they have already sent UEFA the tape so they can have a closer look at the incident.
He said the Manchester United player had escaped punishment only because Portuguese referee Lucilio Batista did not see the off-the-ball incident.
A UEFA spokesman confirmed on Monday it would investigate the Russian allegations, but said they were still awaiting the video evidence.
The alleged incident followed a challenge by Yevseyev on Giggs, which Wales defender Darren Barnard said was probably one of the worst challenges he had ever seen.
"It was amazing really because the guy's gone in on Ryan and the referee actually gave them a free kick which no one could believe. It was probably one of the worstchallenges I've ever seen, and they've tried hard to get him sent off but hopefully no action will be taken," said Barnard.
Bureau Report
Alexander Tukmanov, executive director of the Russian Football Union (RFU), said on Monday they have already sent UEFA the tape so they can have a closer look at the incident.
He said the Manchester United player had escaped punishment only because Portuguese referee Lucilio Batista did not see the off-the-ball incident.
A UEFA spokesman confirmed on Monday it would investigate the Russian allegations, but said they were still awaiting the video evidence.
The alleged incident followed a challenge by Yevseyev on Giggs, which Wales defender Darren Barnard said was probably one of the worst challenges he had ever seen.
"It was amazing really because the guy's gone in on Ryan and the referee actually gave them a free kick which no one could believe. It was probably one of the worstchallenges I've ever seen, and they've tried hard to get him sent off but hopefully no action will be taken," said Barnard.
Bureau Report