Time running out for Giggs ban threat

Ryan Giggs is almost certain to be available for Wales in their Euro 2004 play-off second leg match against Russia, with UEFA still waiting for the tape which allegedly shows him elbowing full-back Vadim Evseev.

European football’s governing body have pledged to investigate the incident, which occurred during the first leg in Moscow on Saturday.

But time is now against the Russian Football Union, who forwarded the tape to UEFA with a view to Giggs being banned for tomorrow night’s match.

A UEFA spokesman this morning confirmed to The Press Association that the tape had yet to arrive.

“We haven’t yet received the video evidence,” the spokesman said. “I think if we did not receive it until this afternoon, it would be too close [to the match].

“There is no set limit on how long reviewing the evidence takes, but first we would need to decide if there is a case to answer.”

Alexander Tukmanov, the executive director of the RFU, said: “We have already sent UEFA the tape so they can have a closer look at the incident.”

RFU president Vyacheslav Koloskov added: “Giggs’ actions clearly violate the principles of fair play.

“He should have been red-carded then and that means he would have to be suspended for the second leg. The problem is there’s little time left for UEFA [to take action] before the game.”

The UEFA administration would first look at the tape to decide if Giggs was guilty of an offence which went unpunished by Portuguese match referee Lucilio Batista.

If they decide to pursue the matter, the player and his national association are contacted and asked to submit a statement, and once this is received UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Committee would give a ruling.

Wales were furious with Russia’s approach to the game and Giggs complained that one tackle on him by Evseev was “one of the worst I have had to contend with in my career”.

Mark Hughes’ side were also angered by Russia’s refusal to give the ball back to Wales after play was stopped by a flare thrown onto the pitch.

“In those circumstances you always give possession back to the opposition,” said Wales midfielder Robbie Savage.

“If the Russians had scored from there we would have been absolutely furious, it was grossly unfair.

“We weren’t happy with some of the things we saw in that game. I say we should go out on Wednesday and show Russia that it’s the wrong way to play football.”