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Wales coach lashes out at Russia`s charges against Giggs
Baku, Nov 19: Wales coach Mark Hughes accuses Russia over Giggs complaint ahead of Euro 2004 qualifier.
Baku, Nov 19: Wales coach Mark Hughes accuses Russia over Giggs complaint ahead of Euro 2004 qualifier.
Wales manager Mark Hughes believes Russia were trying to undermine his preparations for the second leg of the Euro 2004 playoff by trying to get Ryan Giggs banned for the clash at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday. Giggs can play against Russia in the second leg of the Euro 2004 playoff in Cardiff but UEFA have charged him with improper conduct in Saturday's goalless first leg in Moscow. The Manchester United winger, a key player in what Hughes dubs "the biggest game in Welsh history", has been charged for an alleged elbow incident during the first leg. Russia wanted Giggs banned, claiming that he elbowed defender Vadim Yevseyev in the face midway through the second half of the goalless draw.
However, under UEFA rules a player charged must be able to state his case in writing and since there is not enough time for a decision to be taken before Wednesday's match Giggs, who is struggling to shake off a shin injury, is eligible to play.
The Russian Football Union sent a tape of the incident to UEFA, and Hughes, already without several key players, says the issue has further complicated his plans.
"We are still waiting on news on (the UEFA investigation)," Hughes told reporters early on Tuesday. "It's a concern to us, but it's something we have to deal with.
"We are dealing with the biggest game in Welsh history and this has now raised its head.
"I suppose Russia are trying to do everything they can and they feel this is an opportunity to take one of the best players out of a very important game."
Hughes is already without striker Craig Bellamy and midfielder Simon Davies through injury while Mark Pembridge, who was hoping to return for the second leg, is rated extremely doubtful.
The Football Union of Russia will also face charges at the December hearing related to the setting off of fireworks and throwing of missiles by spectators at Saturday's game.
Bureau Report
Wales manager Mark Hughes believes Russia were trying to undermine his preparations for the second leg of the Euro 2004 playoff by trying to get Ryan Giggs banned for the clash at the Millennium Stadium on Wednesday. Giggs can play against Russia in the second leg of the Euro 2004 playoff in Cardiff but UEFA have charged him with improper conduct in Saturday's goalless first leg in Moscow. The Manchester United winger, a key player in what Hughes dubs "the biggest game in Welsh history", has been charged for an alleged elbow incident during the first leg. Russia wanted Giggs banned, claiming that he elbowed defender Vadim Yevseyev in the face midway through the second half of the goalless draw.
However, under UEFA rules a player charged must be able to state his case in writing and since there is not enough time for a decision to be taken before Wednesday's match Giggs, who is struggling to shake off a shin injury, is eligible to play.
The Russian Football Union sent a tape of the incident to UEFA, and Hughes, already without several key players, says the issue has further complicated his plans.
"We are still waiting on news on (the UEFA investigation)," Hughes told reporters early on Tuesday. "It's a concern to us, but it's something we have to deal with.
"We are dealing with the biggest game in Welsh history and this has now raised its head.
"I suppose Russia are trying to do everything they can and they feel this is an opportunity to take one of the best players out of a very important game."
Hughes is already without striker Craig Bellamy and midfielder Simon Davies through injury while Mark Pembridge, who was hoping to return for the second leg, is rated extremely doubtful.
The Football Union of Russia will also face charges at the December hearing related to the setting off of fireworks and throwing of missiles by spectators at Saturday's game.
Bureau Report