Danish soccer federation appeals against UEFA

The Danish soccer federation appeals against decision to abandon the team after fan attacked the referee.

Last Friday, UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body awarded Sweden a 3-0 victory over Denmark, fined the Danish federation 100,000 Swiss francs (EUR61,000; US$81,000) and ordered the team to play its next four home qualifiers at least 250 kilometers (155 miles) from Copenhagen.

Denmark's match against Liechtenstein on Sept. 12 must also be played in an empty stadium, UEFA said.

Denmark midfielder Christian Poulsen was also suspended for three competitive international matches for punching Sweden striker Markus Rosenberg in the stomach during the June 2 match.

German referee Herbert Fandel abandoned the Group F match with the score level at 3-3 after a Danish fan ran onto the field and tried to grab him. The attack came moments after Fandel had given a red card to Poulsen and awarded a penalty to Sweden.

Sweden has 18 points in Group F, three more than Spain. Denmark is in fourth place, eight points behind.

The man, who was not identified by police, was able to get a hand to Fandel's neck before being restrained by Danish players. He has since apologized for the attack.

Jim Stjerne Hansen, the secretary general of the Danish soccer federation, said there are no UEFA-approved stadiums in Denmark that are located more than 250 kilometers (155 miles) away from the capital.

The Parken stadium in Copenhagen is expected to lose approximately 18 million kroner (EUR2.4 million; US$3.2 million) in income for all four games if the ban stands.