Serbs suffer 3-0 forfeit after flare-up in Italy

UEFA have awarded Italy a 3-0 victory for the abandoned qualifying game against Serbia in Genoa earlier this month.

The Serbian federation had asked for a replay of the Euro 2012 Group C qualifier, which had to be stopped after just six minutes when hooligans in the travelling section began throwing objects on to the field and causing problems in the stands.

But their appeal for the game to be played again was denied following an investigation by UEFA.

Serbian Football Federation (FSS) president Tomislav Karadzic said: "We are not satisfied with Uefa's verdict, especially the 3-0 defeat. The rest, we expected it."

Karadzic did not reveal if the FSS would appeal against the penalty.

Uefa made the announcement of the punishment in a statement which read: "The Control and Disciplinary Body has decided to award the match as a 3-0 forfeit win to Italy.

"The Football Association of Serbia has been ordered to play its next two home matches behind closed doors. From this sanction, a one-match ban is deferred for a probationary period of two years.

"The Control and Disciplinary Body has ordered the FSS to refrain from ordering tickets for Serbian supporters for all the away matches of the Serbian team during the remainder of the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying competition. The association was also fined a total of 120,000 euros.

"The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) received a sanction of one match to be played behind closed doors. This sanction is deferred for a probationary period of two years. The association was fined 100,000 euros.

"Both associations have three days from the dispatch of the written decisions within which to lodge an appeal."

Italy were pleased with the outcome of the UEFA investigation.

"Uefa has appreciated the great work done by our delegation that has managed to prove that the Italian Federation has done its maximum considering the dramatic circumstances of that night in Genoa," FIGC general director Antonello Valentini said.

"We are not worried that Serbia v Italy (October 2011] will be played in front of fans.As we have underlined, we want to maintain a good rapport with the team, the executives and the true Serbian fans."

Serbian supporters hurled flares after climbing a perimeter fence in Genoa and cutting a hole in netting meant to prevent objects being thrown.

The kick-off had already been delayed for 35 minutes due to crowd trouble, which followed Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic pulling out of the game having been threatened by his own fans because of a domestic club dispute.

Away fans, who had made political gestures in the ground and tried to smash a perspex barrier to get into the home end, also clashed with police after the abandonment and there were 17 arrests.

The ruling has lifted the Azzurri into sole possession of top spot in Group C, three points clear of second-place Slovenia.

Serbia remain fifth with just four points from four games. The Serbians are due to host Northern Ireland on March 25 next year, before visiting Estonia four days later.