| Euro qualifier abandoned after fan attack
Just proves how one fan can mess up a good thing very bad for team Denmark
Euro qualifier abandoned after fan attack
By JAN M. OLSEN, Associated Press Writer
June 2, 2007
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) -- The European Championship qualifier between Sweden and Denmark was abandoned at 3-3 Saturday after a Danish fan tried to attack the referee for awarding a penalty kick in the 89th minute.
Danish soccer officials initially said referee Herbert Fandel had awarded Sweden a 3-0 victory, but European soccer's governing body said the result would have to be confirmed by an investigation.
"No decision has been taken," UEFA spokesman Fritz Ahlstrom said.
Denmark had rallied from a 3-0 deficit to tie it 3-3 before Fandel sent off Denmark defender Christian Poulsen for punching Sweden striker Markus Rosenberg in the stomach.
After Fandel pointed to the penalty spot at Parken Stadium, the spectator charged onto the field and tried to punch the referee. He was intercepted by Danish defender Michael Gravgaard. Danish police said the attacker had been arrested.
Fandel and his linesmen walked off the field, and Danish soccer federation spokesman Lars Behrendt soon announced the referee had given Sweden the 3-0 victory.
"It is a sad ending," Denmark striker Jon Dahl Tomasson told Danish TV. "I can understand that the referee called off the game. This is going to cost us."
Sweden had led 3-0 inside 26 minutes in the Group F game after two goals by Johan Elmander and another from Peter Hansson. But goals from Daniel Agger (34th), Tomasson (62nd) and substitute Leon Andreasen (77th) set up Denmark's comeback.
If UEFA confirms the result, Sweden leads the group with 15 points from six games, two more than idle Northern Ireland. Denmark is fourth with seven points from five games.
"The match was a bit too entertaining and got a terribly bad ending," Sweden coach Lars Lagerback said.
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