No UEFA probe on assault on Russian journalists in Greece

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has decided against opening a probe into numerous reports on an alleged assault on Russian journalists at the UEFA Champions League match in Greeks Thessaloniki on Wednesday.

Russia's Spartak Moscow FC played on Wednesday their away match against PAOK FC as part of the third round of the qualifications stage of the UEFA Champions League. Russian journalists working at the match reported on their social media accounts that they had been attacked by PAOK's fans before the match at an entrance to media tribune of the Toumba Stadium, reports Tass news agency.

"With regard to the alleged incident relating to Russian journalists, no sufficient grounds or evidence have been presented in the official reports to allow for the opening of an investigation or to instigate disciplinary proceedings," the UEFA press service said in a statement addressed to Tass.

According to Russian journalists, security and stewards, responsible for safety at the sports facility, were inactive as Greek football fans assaulted them.

PAOK FC press service later denied the allegations saying that a minor scuffle took place but had been immediately thwarted with the help of security officers.

--IANS

pur/sed