FAI will not attend UEFA hearing into penknife incident
The matter will be investigated by UEFA’s control and disciplinary body, with the governing body expected to decide on Georgia’s punishment later this afternoon.
However, the FAI say it would serve no purpose to send anyone out to UEFA headquarters. Following the qualifier, which Ireland won 2-1,
Brian Kerr said he hoped no other team in the group would get an unfair advantage because of the incident.
“That is still the FAI’s position,” said a spokesperson yesterday. “We don’t see any need to send somebody out to the investigation, but we still believe that other teams should not get an unfair advantage because of what happened, which would be playing Georgia behind closed doors.”
This refers to Russia’s request to play the Georgians at a neutral venue on April 30, following the incidents which occurred in Tbisili. UEFA will consider this request after announcing Georgia’s punishment.
After recent results, that game is now critical to the final shape Group 10 will take.
Kevin Kilbane was struck by a penknife thrown from the crowd during last month’s qualifier while a bottle was thrown at Gary Doherty following his winning goal. Coins were fired at Damien Duff and Mark Kinsella.
Greek referee Kyros Vassaras referred specifically to the penknife in his match report, enhancing the belief that Georgia will be ordered to play Russia behind closed doors which is a situation neither Kerr or the FAI want. Group 10 is delicately poised, with Ireland in fourth place just four points behind leaders Switzerland. Both teams have played four games. Russia have six points from three games, with Albania a point behind in third.
Georgia prop up the group with one point from four games. Without the hostile atmosphere of their home support, their crucial qualifier against Russia at the end of the month will be a much tougher proposition for them.
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