Inter wait for final verdict

UEFA will have to decide on the result of the game and will handle any ban, suspension or fine related to the crowd disorder. It could order the second leg to be replayed or just the last 17 minutes but precedent suggests AC Milan, whose fans were not involved in the trouble, will be awarded victory and Inter a very heavy fine or a suspension and a banning order.

German referee Markus Merk took the players off the pitch after AC Milan keeper Dida was struck by one of dozens of flares thrown down from the stands following a header from Inter’s Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso being disallowed.

Dida received medical treatment to his shoulder while Inter players urged their fans to stop hurling objects on to the pitch. The goal frame disappeared in clouds of smoke as flares continued to rain down and burn on the pitch.

The players came back on to the field after 25 minutes but Merk took them off again just 30 seconds following the restart and abandoned the game when more flares came down with no sign of intervention from the police.

The confirmed winners of the tie will play either Olympique Lyon or PSV Eindhoven in the semi-finals.

(Reuters)