UEFA considering tough policies

Clubs could be kicked out of European competition or have points deducted for crowd trouble under new policies being considered by UEFA.

UEFA have been stung in recent weeks by trouble at a Champions League match between Inter and Milan and the furore surrounding the tie involving Barcelona and Chelsea which resulted in referee Anders Frisk retiring.

The executive committee of European soccer's governing body said yesterday it would not refrain from taking firm action and imposing strict measures if there was any continuation of the violent scenes and intimidation of officials that has blighted European football in recent weeks.

UEFA Chief Executive Lars-Christer Olsson said new sanctions would be discussed at June's committee meeting in Manchester.

"We could say that matches could not be played for a certain period of time, we could take decisions like we did with English clubs not playing in Europe," Olsson said.

"We must recognise that in the current financial situation there could be other consequences for clubs rather than financial penalties, another proposal we will consider is the withdrawal of points."

English clubs were banned from Europe for five years following the death of 39, mostly Italian, fans at Heysel stadium in 1985 when a wall collapsed after a charge by Liverpool supporters before the start of the European Cup final.

Although hooliganism at English grounds has since decreased, there is still trouble elsewhere.

The second leg of the Champions League quarter-final between Inter and Milan earlier this month was abandoned after Inter fans threw flares on the field, one of which hit Milan keeper Dida.

Inter were fined $253,600 and banned for their next four home European matches but Olsson denied the Italian side had been treated leniently.

"I believe UEFA took the right decision in this case," he said. "Different countries will have different interpretations of the punishment and I do not think that we have lost credibility with our decision."

Asked if the events in Milan could damage Italy's bid to host the 2012 European Championship Olsson added: "The Italian FA understands the seriousness of the situation, and there is a clear message that the situation in Italy has to change.

"If it is managed properly I do not think it will have a negative effect on their bid but something has to happen."