Saturday saw a dramatic game at Parken Stadium Copenhagen as Denmark faced neighbours Sweden in our Euro 2008 Group. With the Swedes taking an impressive 0-3 lead within the first half hour, Denmark managed to remarkably pull the score level until it all kicked off in the 89 th minute and the match was abandoned.
Denmark’s Christian Poulsen punched a Swedish player in the gut and Sweden were awarded a penner. However, a Danish supporter ran on to the pitch and appeared to smack the German ref Herbert Fandel. An immediate stop to the game ensued with both teams going off for 15 minutes before the decision was made to abandon the match.
Unfortunately, this is not good news for Norn Iron. It is anticipated that following Fandel’s report to UEFA, that a decision will be made to award Sweden the points and a 0-3 victory. This, of course, would put the Swedes back in pole position, two points clear of Norn Iron in second place. With the Spanadians having taken three points at the weekend we need to start looking over our shoulders and praying that Worthers can attain the same level of performances Sanchez did with our first eleven.
Although we all had a ball in Copenhagen there were problems at Parken with most of the Norn Iron fans locked out until just before kick-off. Stewarding outside was intimidating and OTT, whilst inside non-existent. Suffice to say, the IFA are none too happy about what happened at the weekend with Wells furious that UEFA have clearly not acted on the concerns he raised following our trip to Parken.
“I complained to UEFA about this stadium before as it’s the same one we played in back in October,” said an unhappy Wells.
“I was very unhappy with how our fans were treated in general at the stadium. The stewarding was poor, access to the stadium was poor and gates were not open in time.
“But the response I got was wishy washy. I think the problem we are faced with is that there is so much inconsistency with regard to standards of stewarding across Europe.
“We can try hard to get it right but poor legislation will hold us back. I’m very disappointed that the standard of stewarding is not very high at all.”
Seems a bit bizarre when the stewards at WP are nothing to write home about, especially when you realise some Rangers anoraked official has removed yer banner, never to be seen again.
Wells went on to point out that this could happen anywhere. Just go and deck a ref and get some points awarded to the other team.
On the day that UEFA have branded Liverpool supporters the worst behaved in Europe it would be appropriate for them to get their own house in order first, before pointing the finger at everyone else.
Spain, who are only a point behind us now following their 0-2 win in Riga, face Licky on Wednesday, while Sweden play host to Iceland and Denmark travel to Latvia.
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