Celtic FC

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UEFA launches Dida probe

08 Oct 2007 - 14:46:30

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UEFA has confirmed that is has started disciplinary proceedings against AC Milan and their goalkeeper Dida following the Rossoneri's controversial Champions League defeat at Celtic last week.

The Bhoys' 2-1 victory over the European champions was overshadowed when a supporter entered the field of play and appeared to make contact with the Brazilian keeper in the aftermath of Scott McDonald's late winner.

However, a video of the incident appeared to show that Dida exaggerated the incident - firstly chasing the fan before collapsing and being carried away on a stretcher.

A statement on UEFA's official website read: "The proceedings have been instigated on the basis of Article 5 paragraph 1 of the disciplinary regulations (Principles of conduct), under which "member associations, clubs, as well as their players, officials and members, shall conduct themselves according to the principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship".

"UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body will hear the case on 11 October."

Last week UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Celtic and the Bhoys have to answer charges of lack of organisation and improper conduct of supporters following the incident.

UEFA's announcement will please Celtic chairman Brian Quinn, who said last week: "I'm making no excuses for the behaviour, and the fan behaved disgracefully, but the contact made with the goalkeeper was minimal, absolutely minimal.

"The antics of the goalkeeper have to be taken into account as well.

"All I saw were the TV pictures. He took a couple of steps after the fan and then obviously made this decision that he should go to ground.

"Unless I missed something, he was carried off on a stretcher for what seemed to be the lightest tap you can imagine."