Georgia forced to play behind closed doors

UEFA have ordered Georgia to play one match behind closed doors following the knife throwing incident during last month's Euro…

UEFA have ordered Georgia to play one match behind closed doors following the knife throwing incident during last month's Euro 2004 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Tbilisi.

UEFA's control and disciplinary body met today to investigate the crowd trouble in which Ireland midfielder Kevin Kilbane was struck by a penknife thrown from the stands.

Referee Kyros Vassaras referred specifically to the incident in his match report.

The penalty will apply to Georgia's Euro 2004 qualifier against Russia on April 30th although the Georgian Football Federation have until midnight on Friday to appeal the decision.

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Brian Kerr's team won the game 2-1 thanks to a late goal by stand-in striker Gary Doherty.