UEFA fury over flares

UEFA's director of communications William Gaillard, who witnessed the horrific events in the San Siro, said: "We will examine the evidence and look at the possible sanctions. I've not seen anything like this before in a football stadium and we must make sure it doesn't happen again. It's up to the Control and Disciplinary Body what happens.

"Every punishment is at their disposal and it's up to them. Everyone saw everything. It's a very clear situation and we just have to wait to see the sanctions.

"This situation is not very common and action will be taken. We are still in a state of shock. There have been several shocking incidents recently but this is the worst."

The Italian government are also likely to take action following a recent upsurge in violence at matches. Italy's interior minister, Giuseppe Pisanu, warned yesterday that stadiums would be closed if supporters failed to improve their "intolerable" behaviour. Last night's scenes will provide an early indicator of his government's mettle.

There is little doubt that hooliganism is on the increase in Serie A, with Juventus fans rioting following the cancellation of their match against Fiorentina in the aftermath of the Pope's death 10 days ago and Lazio being fined £17,000 after fascist chanting by their supporters during last weekend's game against Livorno.

Last night's trouble was sparked by referee Merk's decision to disallow a headed goal by Esteban Matias Cambiasso, which would have given Inter a slim chance of overturning their 3-0 aggregate deficit.

Inter supporters behind the goal immediately began throwing bottles and flares onto the pitch until one struck Dida, who astonishingly continued to be pelted whilst he lay in agony on the floor.

After a 10-minute barrage, Merk led the players from the field, returning briefly 10 minutes later before another flurry of missiles convinced him to abandon the game.

Milan captain Paolo Maldini said the referee was right to take the players off, but insisted that crowd trouble was uncommon in the city.

He said: "We couldn't go on, we couldn't finish the game. We tried to clear the pitch but they threw many things again. I believe the referee took the right decision.

"This is not usual here in Milan, it is the first time in 20 years of my career that this has happened. Nothing has ever happened before between supporters of the two teams, it was very bad.

"It was good to try to carry on because many supporters had paid to see the game."