• World Cup qualifiers

Montenegro may face FIFA rap

ESPN staff
March 28, 2013
Reports claim Ashley Cole was spat at during the match in Podgorica © PA Photos
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FIFA are gathering information which could lead to disciplinary action for Montenegro after reports of abusive behaviour from a section of their fans toward England players after their 1-1 World Cup qualifier draw surfaced.

A report in the Telegraph claims Ashley Cole was spat at, while Joe Hart had projectiles thrown at him during the match in Podgorica. Much of FIFA's investigation will hinge on referee Jonas Eriksson's report, with sanctions not out of the question.

"We are still collecting all the post-match reports, since the officials have got 24 hours to send them," a FIFA spokesman told the Telegraph. "Based on the mentioned reports, FIFA will proceed accordingly."

Hart, though, attempted to play down having various objects thrown in his direction during the game.

"You get all sorts of things thrown at you in these games, lighters, marker pens, all sorts.

"Something pinged off my head (a toilet roll) and then wrapped around my shoulders. It is not going to kill you is it? It's not ideal but that's the beauty of football.

"The atmosphere was good fun. I thought first and foremost our fans were awesome throughout the game.

"It was a hostile atmosphere and our fans brought colour and good quality support. I enjoy playing in those atmospheres," he stated.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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