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John Mehrzad involved in UEFA disciplinary into Serbia-Albania abandonment

On 14 October 2014 the Serbia v Albania UEFA European Championship qualifier at the Partisan Stadium, Belgrade, was stopped by the referee in the 43rd minute with the score at 0-0 to protect the safety of the players after serious crowd disturbances, including a pitch invasion and attacks on Albanian players as well as flares and other objects being thrown onto the pitch by Serbian fans. A drone also appeared above the pitch carrying a banner, the meaning of which was subject to review by UEFA. Press coverage was widespread including here

UEFA subsequently charged Serbia with various alleged
breaches of the
UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (Edition 2014);
setting-off/throwing of fireworks and missile (
art. 16 (2b&C));
crowd disturbance (
art. 16 (2h)); field-invasion by supporters (art.
16 (2a)
); insufficient organisation (art. 16 (1)); and the use of a
laser pointer (
art. 16 (2d)).

UEFA also charged Albania for allegations of an illicit
banner (
art. 16 (2e)) and a refusal to play (art. 27(1) UEFA
Regulations of the UEFA European Football Championships 2014-16
).

The UEFA Control Ethics and Disciplinary Body has upheld the
charges. However, despite finding a 3-0 forfeit against Albania and,
therefore, awarding the match to Serbia, UEFA has decided to deduct 3-points
from Serbia. Serbia has been ordered to play its next 2 games behind
closed doors. Both teams have been fined €100,000 euros. The UEFA
decision, but not reasons, is found here

Both teams have a right to appeal to the UEFA Appeal Body
and ultimately to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

John Mehrzad, the Head of Littleton’s Sports Group, drafted
submissions for consideration by UEFA.

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