Italy given 3-0 win after violence in Serbia game

UEFA on Friday ordered Serbia to play a home match behind closed doors and awarded Italy a 3-0 win after their Euro 2012 qualifier three weeks ago was cancelled because of crowd trouble.

The Serbian Football Federation (FSS) were ordered to play two home matches in an empty stadium, with one match suspended for two years.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) were also sanctioned with one home match behind closed doors but the penalty was suspended for two years, European football’s governing body said in a statement.

“The Control and Disciplinary Body has decided to award the match as a 3-0 forfeit win to Italy,” they added.

“The Football Association of Serbia has been ordered to play its next two home matches behind closed doors. From this sanction, a one-match ban is deferred for a probationary period of two years.”

The FSS was fined 120,000 euros while their Italian counterparts suffered a 100,000 euro fine.

The Group C game in Genoa on October 12 was delayed then abandoned by the referee after just six minutes due to Serbian fans throwing flares onto the pitch and at rival Italy supporters.

Sixteen people were hospitalised after Serbian fans then clashed with Italian police, while at least 17 Serbian supporters were arrested.

Serbian police also arrested 35 away fans when they returned from Italy.

The FSS claimed their Italian counterparts were responsible for the crowd disorder, saying they had informed them of away supporters who were planning to cause trouble.

Under UEFA’s rules, the sanctions available had ranged up to a stadium closure or disqualification from Euro 2012 as well as exclusion from future competitions.