Portugal protest against Dallas appointment

Portugal have protested against having Hugh Dallas as the match official for their Group D game against Poland.

The Motherwell referee was involved in a bust-up with the Portuguese during the Euro 2000 semi-final against eventual winners France.

The Portuguese are also incensed that FIFA have appointed Igor Sramka as assistant referee - the linesman for Dallas in the match against the French.

Portuguese football federation president Antonio Boronha said: "We have made our feelings known to the authorities.

"We find it strange that Hugh Dallas and Igor Sramka will be among the officials in charge of our game against Poland.

"We know the rules and understand who nominated the referees. We respect that, but we feel it is odd.

"Those same officials participated in the France-Portugal semi-final, after which there were severe bans for Portugal players."

The French were awarded a penalty in extra-time after the match referee missed Abel Xavier's handball, which was highlighted by linesman Sramka.

The decision sparked a major fracas, which fourth official Dallas became embroiled in as the Portuguese players lost their cool.

Xavier was subsequently given a lengthy ban by UEFA for grabbing the arm of the assistant referee.

Nuno Gomes and Paulo Bento were also given long bans after being reported by Dallas.