| Uefa launches investigation into violence of Serbia fans in Genoa • Euro 2012 qualifier against Italy called off after six minutes• Serbia supporters threw flares and fireworksUefa has opened "a full and thorough" investigation into the incidents which caused the abandonment of last night's 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 on to 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.A Uefa statement read: "Following the abandonment of yesterday's Uefa Euro 2012 qualifying match between Italy and Serbia Uefa has opened a full and thorough disciplinary investigation into the incidents of serious disorder witnessed at the match and the circumstances surrounding it."The sanctions that are available range from a reprimand or fine, up to a stadium closure or 'disqualification from competitions in progress and/or exclusion from future competitions'."The Serbian Football Association president, Tomislav Karadzic, said the problems did not come as a surprise. "We had indications that this would happen," he told Belgrade's B92 television. "These fans are just the executors, it was planned in Belgrade."The Italian Football Federation security head, Roberto Massucci, blamed Serbian authorities for allowing unruly fans to travel. "Fans that are so dangerous should not have arrived in Genoa," he said. "They should have been stopped by the Serbian officials."Northern Ireland will wait to hear Uefa's verdict as they plan their trip to Belgrade in March.SerbiaItalyEuro 2012guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Struggling Stuttgart fires coach Christian Gross Stuttgart fired coach Christian Gross on Wednesday after a dismal start to the season that left it last in the Bundesliga. Stuttgart made the ... rssfeeds.usatoday.com |
Goal: The Nominees for the 2010 World XI FIFA this week released the list of 55 players who are on its list to be included in the 2010 World XI squad that will be announced on Jan. 10. feeds.nytimes.com |
Pass notes No 2,889: Nani The Manchester United striker has an unusual taste in modern artAge: 24.Full name: LuÃs Carlos Almeida da Cunha.Appearance: Red shirt, white shorts.Shorts? In this weather? That's the Manchester United strip. Nani's one of their wingers, bought in 2007 for £17m. You may have seen him score against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. He also plays for Portugal.Why would I support Manchester United? I don't come from Manchester. You really don't get football, do you?I follow all the big stories. Who's he stabbed, two-timed or cuckolded? Has he crashed his Ferrari? How many prostitutes were involved? Was his phone tapped, and if so, how much did Andy Coulson know about it? That's several hundred other Premier League footballers. Nani's the art collector.I suppose he's got to invest his money somewhere. Is it Banksy he's splashed out on? It usually is. There are just two works in the Nani collection, both by unknown artists. One's a life-size marble statue of Nani himself.Dressed as Narcissus, contemplating his reflection in a pool? Dressed in his Manchester strip, apparently, plus his football medals and a jester's cap given to him by a fan. It's not clear whether he's performing his trademark backflip.Perhaps it's his way of keeping his kit from getting creased. Is it in his wardrobe? It's on a plinth in his living room. "It stops you in your tracks," a visitor to Nani's Cheshire mansion told the Sun. "It's a bit of an odd thing to have in your lounge."Still, nice to see a footballer splashing out on art rather than consumerist bling. Up to a point. The house has a whirlpool bath, a steam room and a swimming pool. It's a "fantastic place".I refuse to get jealous. The council tax bill must be enormous. So what about the other half of the collection? It appears to be a golden Buddha. Unless, of course, it's Wayne Rooney trying a new stretching exercise.Do say: "I don't know much about art . . ."Don't say: ". . . but I know a bighead when I see one."Manchester UnitedSculptureguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Blackpool plan beach trip to beat freeze ahead of Mamchester United clash Bolton Wanderers 2 Blackpool 2 Ian Holloway's team may find themselves training on the beach ahead of Saturday's match with Manchester United. telegraph.co.uk |