Valencia and Inter Milan face a UEFA disciplinary investigation
after the Spanish side's substitute David Navarro sparked a brawl
at the end of their Champions League victory on away goals at the
Mestalla.
The Valencia defender said he was ashamed by his behavior after
running on to the pitch and punching Inter midfielder Nicolas
Burdisso in the face, breaking his nose, before being chased by
Milan players at the end of Tuesday's match.
"I've never behaved this way before and I'm sure my family will
be very disappointed in me," Navarro was quoted as saying in sports
daily Marca on Wednesday.
"I'm ashamed and very much regret what I did. I haven't seen the
television pictures and the truth is I don't want to either. I'm
upset because I've never done anything like this in my life before
nor will I again."
European soccer's governing body UEFA said both clubs face a
disciplinary investigation with a hearing at the next regular
meeting of its control and disciplinary body on March 22.
That meeting is already due to consider the crowd problems
during Manchester United's Champions League first knockout round,
first leg tie away to Lille last month.
Burdisso floored
Tuesday's incidents were triggered when Navarro sprinted off the
bench at the end of the 0-0 draw as his team mate Carlos Marchena
and Inter midfielder Burdisso squared up to each other.
Navarro floored Burdisso with a punch in the face and was
pursued by several Inter players as he ran off the pitch. Inter
coach Roberto Mancini said the Argentine's nose had been
broken.
A mass brawl developed in the centre of the pitch and the
incidents continued in the tunnel as several Inter players tried to
follow Navarro into the dressing room.
Security guards intervened, but it took several minutes before
the situation calmed down. Local media reported that Navarro left
the stadium by a back door.
"When I saw that they were going for Carlos (Marchena) I ran on
the pitch," said Navarro. "I saw Burdisso and was going to separate
them, but I just lost my head. I expect to be punished. I very much
regret what happened and I will accept whatever punishment I am
given."
The game was an intense affair throughout with the tone set when
Valencia fans unveiled a giant banner with the word "vendetta" at
the start of the game in reference to recent defeats at the hands
of the Italians in European competition.
In Tuesday's remaining match, French champions Lyon suffered
more frustration as Italian side AS Roma beat them 2-0 to prevail
2-0 on aggregate.
Goals by captain Francesco Totti and Mancini inflicted Lyon's
first home Champions League defeat since Ajax in October 2002, and
ended former France and Liverpool handler Gerard Houllier's hopes
yet again of landing the competition for the first time.
(China Daily via Agencies March 8, 2007)