Greeks to be punished over laser show

The Greek FA will face a Fifa disciplinary committee in May after a fan repeatedly shone a laser beam into the eyes of Israel goalkeeper Dudu Awat during the World Cup qualifier in Crete on April 1. Video evidence shows the beam blinding Awat as Giorgos Samaras stepped up to score a vital penalty and seal a victory that took Greece four points clear of Israel.

Referee Olegario Benquerenca included the incident in his match report and Fifa began investigating even before the Israel FA lodged an official complaint. But Awat believes the result should stand. “It would be ridiculous to contest the result,” he said. “The beam did not influence the fact that I could not stop the penalty.”

Greece are likely to receive a hefty fine or perhaps be ordered to play a future match behind closed doors.