UEFA look into Roma game

UEFA have launched an investigation an incident during Roma's Champions League match at home to Dynamo Kiev, which saw Swedish referee Anders Frisk struck by an object thrown from the stands.

Frisk was hit by the missile - believed to be a cigarette lighter or coin - as he left the pitch at half-time, just moments after he had sent off Roma defender Philippe Mexes for kicking out at Kiev striker Maris Verpakovskis.

Frisk, who required medical treatment for a cut on his forehead, abandoned the contest at the interval, with Kiev leading 1-0 thanks to a Goran Gavrancic free-kick strike.

Trouble at the top: Roma captain Francesco Totti complains to Anders Frisk before the referee is hit by a missile from fans in the Stadio Olimpico

The UEFA disciplinary unit today began their inquiry, but any announcement is not expected before next week.

"This is a very serious matter. The security and safety of the supporters, players and officials is our top priority, so we need to look closely at the events," William Gaillard, UEFA communications director, said.

"We will be looking into the incident but it is really premature to be talking about punishments.

"We will be looking at the referee's report of the match and the report from the match delegates, which is the normal procedure."

It is not the first time that matches at the Stadio Olimpico have attracted serious crowd trouble.

As recently as last season, Roma were fined and handed a ban from playing home games at the stadium after rioting at the derby clash with Lazio left over 150 people injured.

However, Gaillard is not prepared to jump to any conclusions.

"There was no other apparent crowd trouble and everyone waited peacefully in the minutes following the incident," he added.

Gaillard also confirmed that UEFA would look at why Frisk had taken the decision to halt the game, rather than place the fourth official in charge.

Frisk felt his replacement was too inexperienced for the circumstances, and although the referee has the authority to call off a game, Gaillard admitted the Swede had not followed the "usual procedure".