UEFA probes Clermont-Ferrand incidents

UEFA has ordered an investigation into incidents at last night's UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-off second-leg match between France and Portugal in Clermont-Ferrand.

Official reports
"UEFA has ordered an investigation into incidents that took place on the bench and in the dressing room," said European football's governing body in a statement on Wednesday. UEFA said it had been informed of the incidents via official reports.

Penalty win
Portugal came back to win 4-1 on penalties after their 2-1 victory on the night meant the sides were tied 3-3 on aggregate. France striker Djibril Cissé was sent off during the match.

Doping tests
UEFA said it had also been informed that the French authorities had decided to conduct doping tests at the match. The European body said it had not been made aware of the tests. "With reference to the UEFA regulations, the Portuguese delegation refused to submit any of its players to any such doping controls," the UEFA statement said.

French legislation
"UEFA reconfirms its policy to fight drug abuse in its competitions and regrets the incident, the occurrence of which falls outside of its control and therefore has to be seen in the light of French legislation.

Testing procedure
"UEFA has been in discussion with the relevant French bodies since the summer of 2003 and is hopeful that a solution can soon be found to ensure that the European-wide UEFA testing procedure can also be applied in France."