Derby abandoned in Milan
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Article summary
The second leg of the quarter-final between FC Internazionale Milano and AC Milan was abandoned.
Article body
Merk decision
Plastic bottles and fireworks were among the objects launched from behind the Milan keeper's goal and German referee Markus Merk made a swift decision to suspend the action and take both sets of players off the Giuseppe Meazza pitch and into the dressing rooms.
Shevchenko goal
Milan, who won the first leg 2-0 last week, had scored a 30th-minute goal through Andriy Shevchenko to lead 3-0 on aggregate but shortly after Nerazzurri midfield player Esteban Cambiasso had a goal disallowed, play was suspended.
Match abandoned
An attempt to resume the game was made at 22.40CET but within seconds further objects landed on the pitch and the referee immediately abandoned the match, with 75 minutes on the clock.
UEFA decision
Referee Merk will now submit his report to the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body, who will determine whether or not tonight's result stands. But there seems little doubt that Inter's European campaign is over - and in bitterly disappointing circumstances.
