UEFA have said the Georgia vs Russia match is to be played in an empty stadium after the crowd trouble during our game there. As Brian Kerr said this hands the Russians a big advantage. Why didn't UEFA just fine the Georgian FA? (the money could then be given to the FAI and put towards the new stadium!)
It's a fecking joke. The crowd is Georgia's 12th man, and they can do damage - literally in the case of Shay Given and Kevin Kilbane. I ************ing hate to see violence at footie matches and I despise anyone who goes and causes trouble, but the Georgian crowd could have intimidated the Russians (hopefully without any knife or bottle throwing). Well, they could have helped us, anyway...
The original game was 0-0 at the half when it was abandoned due to floodlight failure. By all accounts the Georgians were kicking the shit out of the Russians. I always thought this game would end in a draw or a Georgian arsed win. With this ban, it looks like Russia, but what can you say? The Georgians broke the rules and they got punished. You can't very well expect UEFA to turn around and ban the crowd for a friendly or the Albania game on the basis that they are lesser games. They screwed up, they pay the price. If the punishments were cherry picked then there would be huge problems of accusations of bias. It's not like Georgia (or UEFA) can pick to serve the punishment on July 15th 2015, or some such date as suits them and pleases all other participants in the group.
I know what you're saying is correct, Samarkand, and I know that we can't dictate the terms of a ban, but from our prespective, and the way the group is standing, it's just a little unfortunate.
This is crap.Russian dogs. Anyway,any chance of viewing this match in Ireland on the day?Im coming over for a wedding,and due to the selfishness of the bride and groom the ceremony wasnt scheduled remotely near any Eire games.Then they have the nerve to ask me to be in it,but I digress. Cheering on Georgia looks to be my only Euro 2004 outlet this trip.That is,if its to be televised.And a pub viewing fee isnt a problem,when I do Europe I spare no expense!
You'll be lucky to see the game, I'd say El Hefe. I'd think it' highly unlikely that it'll be televised in this necks of the woods. Best we can probably hope for is the goals.
Georgia to win !!! Hi guys . i am Georgian ,myself,and was interested in your comments about us. Firstly i want to say that i spent one brilliant year in Ireland and love your country to death. Its a pity we are in same group, and belive me or not i was happy when we lost to you because it was You. Empty stadium. i personally think its an absolute disgrace they way our fans acted in this game. belive me the majority is not like it. Many people know soccer very well not some young fans. And i mean real good knowledge. What we got is what we got . its funny to see you guys complaining about the fans and then saying the ban was too hush ,only because u want russia to lose points. fair enough.... Just know that the fact that our fans lost a chance to see the game of the centure is worth then any fine. If it was on nutrel ground ,at least we would have chance to watch it it (some fans would trevel). U know there is a small mountain just beside the stadium. well not 1 week before the game fans are laready booking there places to sit on it so they can have a chance to watch it from above ,thats how we wanted to see it.!! I am glad to tell you that some good chances happened which improved our chances of winning the game. Coach. He knows Georgian soccer very well. and i belive can make the differnce. Kaladze is back !!! he plays in MIlan defender/midfield left side. Very impressive. Just watch him this week against Ajax . Also our playeres are deparate to win agaisnt Russia. i bleive we still ahve a chance for second place ,but only if we win the game. Tv. it would be on Georgian television 1 chanell. i doubt u will be able to watch this game in Ireland So thats it. sorry for the long post. i will be more then happy to talk to you guys. If we dont qualify , i hope u DO .i really do . cheers ika
Re: Georgia to win !!! I met some Georgian people during the trip for Euro qualified and they are very friendly! So, I can believe you! I'm Japanese and stayed in Ireland for 9 months. For me, too, Ireland is the land of my heart desire, so I can understand your feelings.
Georgia appeal partially upheld: http://www.euro2004.com/competitions/euro/news/kind=1/newsid=66247.html