Uefa Open Ronaldo Laser Investigation Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Olympique Lyonnais will face a Uefa inquest after Cristiano Ronaldo was targeted by laser-wielding fans during February's Champions League clash with Manchester United.
Uefa has begun disciplinary proceedings against Lyon after home fans displayed ‘improper conduct’ in the Stade de Gerland during the Champions League last-16 tie first leg on February 20.
Cristiano Ronaldo was targeted with a laser both during the pre-match warm-up and during the 1-1 draw, which preceded United’s 1-0 Old Trafford return win.
Now, Uefa's Control and Disciplinary Committee will examine evidence ahead of the hearing on March 20.
The decision to investigate was made after the governing body studied reports from referee Luis Medina Cantalejo and Uefa delegate Jan Damgaard.
A UEFA spokesman told BBC Sport: "We have a whole range of different disciplinary measures, beginning with a warning, then fines and so on."
At the time of the incident, UEFA director of communication Rob Faulkner said: "What we know so far is that there was definitely a laser pen aimed at Ronaldo during the warm-up. We tried to take some action before the game. "
Professor John Marshall of King's College, London – a leading eye expert – revealed that the green laser was more serious than the readily available and more common red pens.
"I must admit that I was surprised to hear that this was a green one," Marshall admitted. "They do have a stronger effect and are harder to find and therefore buy."
