NYON, Switzerland - European football's governing body UEFA handed Inter Milan a six-match stadium ban on Friday after their quarter-final with AC Milan was abandoned when Inter fans threw flares on to the pitch.
Inter will play their next four matches in continental competition behind-closed-doors with an additional two-match ban activated should a further offence be committed in the next three years, UEFA said in a statement.
Inter, who were also hit with a fine of 300,000 Swiss francs (250,000 dollars), have three days in which to lodge an appeal.
Six-times champions AC Milan were leading 1-0 and 3-0 on aggregate when Tuesday's Champions League match was called off with 17 minutes left.
AC Milan's Brazilian keeper Dida was burned on the shoulder when a flare hit him and, as more flares rained down on to the San Siro pitch, German referee Markus Merk, ordered both teams into the changing rooms and eventually abandoned the game.
The ban will cost Inter millions of euros in gate receipts and TV revenue.
Inter also had a domestic stadium ban imposed by Italian League officials three years ago after 'ultras' supporters hurled a scooter from the second tier of the San Siro.
Inter were the second Italian club this season to be punished for crowd trouble. Roma received a two-match stadium ban and a heavy fine after Swedish referee Anders Frisk was hit by a missile in September.
UEFA also confirmed the quarter-final, second leg has been awarded to AC Milan as a 3-0 forfeit and Milan therefore go through to the semi-finals on a 5-0 aggregate.
Milan progress to an April 26 semi-final first leg against Dutch side PSV Eindhoven at the same San Siro stadium they share with Inter. The return is on May 4.
Chelsea face Liverpool in an all-English semi-final first leg on April 27 at Stamford Bridge with the Anfield return on May 3.
The winners meet in the May 25 Istanbul final.
04/15/2005 18:49 GMT