Lille face UEFA action
24 Feb 2007 - 10:15:15
UEFA have rejected Lille's official complaint over Manchester United's winning goal in their Champions League clash and have instead charged the French club over the conduct of their players.
Lille had complained over Ryan Giggs' quickly-taken free-kick, but UEFA have rejected that complaint and decided to act over some of the French club's players seeming to threaten to walk off the pitch in protest.
A UEFA statement read: "Having examined the official referee's report, the television evidence at hand, as well as the laws of the game, the UEFA control and disciplinary body decided to reject the protest, as there was no proof of a technical error.
"As a result, the body declared that the goal was perfectly valid.
"Furthermore, the control and disciplinary body decided to instigate proceedings against Lille for the improper behaviour of their players immediately after the goal."
Lille are still deciding whether to appeal against UEFA's latest move, with a statement on their official club website reading: "We regret that UEFA do not wish to analyse the matter.
"The feeling of injustice is shared by all of those who love football.
"This decision can be appealed within three days. We will review our options and our chances with our legal advisers and we will make a decision on Monday."