UEFA launch probe into Genoa trouble

UEFA have confirmed they have opened "a full and thorough" investigation into the incidents which caused the abandonment of the Euro 2012 qualifier between Italy and Serbia in Genoa.

The match at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris was called off after only six minutes as travelling fans threw flares and fireworks onto the pitch.

The kick-off had already been delayed by 35 minutes when, after pre-match clashes between visiting supporters and Italian police, Serbian fans threw flares in the direction of the north stand where Italian supporters were seated.

UEFA, who were waiting on the receipt of the official UEFA delegate's match report before deciding whether to open a disciplinary case, issued a statement confirming the matter was being looked into.

It read: "Following the abandonment of yesterday's UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying match between Italy and Serbia at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa after only six minutes of play, UEFA has confirmed today that it has immediately opened a full and thorough disciplinary investigation into the incidents of serious disorder witnessed at the match and the circumstances surrounding it.

"Once the full dossier is completed, with the assistance of both the referee and delegate reports, the matter will be put before the independent UEFA control and disciplinary body for further review and possible sanctions.

"The sanctions that are available to the control and disciplinary body can be found in the UEFA disciplinary regulations, edition 2008, article 14, and range from a reprimand or fine, up to a stadium closure or 'disqualification from competitions in progress and/or exclusion from future competitions'.

"The proposed date for the meeting of the control and disciplinary body to hear this case is Thursday 28 October."