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UK: €30000 fine for laser aimed at goalkeeper during European Cup semifinal
11 Jul 2021 -- Categories: Non-aviation incidents
On July 7 2021 during a semifinal match in the European Cup, Denmark's goalkeeper had a laser shone in his face by a supporter of the English team. The laser attack came during an extra-time penalty kick. The goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, was able to save the penalty but then England penalty kicker Harry Kane kicked the rebound in to score the winning goal. On that goal, England advanced to the Euro Cup final with Italy.
Three days later the English Football Association was fined €30000 (USD $35,600), primarily for the laser attack but also for two other disturbances (fireworks and booing) perpetrated by England fans.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) makes associations and clubs liable for inappropriate behavior on the part of their supporters "even if they can prove the absence of any negligence in relation to the organisation of the match." Article 16, section 2d of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations prohibits the use of "laser pointers or other similar electronic devices."
Schmeichel had told a referee that he was being targeted by a laser, prior to the penalty kick. After the match, he told the press "I did not experience it on the penalty kick because it was behind me on my right side. But I did experience it in the second half. I told the referee. And he went to say something to the other officials."
The goalkeeper did not indicate that the laser directly affected or impaired his play.
Three days later the English Football Association was fined €30000 (USD $35,600), primarily for the laser attack but also for two other disturbances (fireworks and booing) perpetrated by England fans.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) makes associations and clubs liable for inappropriate behavior on the part of their supporters "even if they can prove the absence of any negligence in relation to the organisation of the match." Article 16, section 2d of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations prohibits the use of "laser pointers or other similar electronic devices."
Schmeichel had told a referee that he was being targeted by a laser, prior to the penalty kick. After the match, he told the press "I did not experience it on the penalty kick because it was behind me on my right side. But I did experience it in the second half. I told the referee. And he went to say something to the other officials."
The goalkeeper did not indicate that the laser directly affected or impaired his play.
Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, with laser light on his face near his eye, just before the penalty kick.
According to the Daily Mail, "The torch-style gadgets have been a problem at sporting events for some time - affecting Wayne Rooney and Jose Mourinho - but in recent years have been rarely seen at football matches. There is a law relating to them being used to endanger vehicles but would not cover individuals. It may be the offence would fall under an assault category."
Metropolitan Police were said to be considering a criminal probe as the match site, Wembley Stadium, falls under their jurisdiction.
From the Daily Mail and MSN. Thank you to Alberto Kellner for first bringing this to our attention.