Milan's Dida faces disciplinary case

Berne (Switzerland) Oct 9: UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against AC Milan and their goalkeeper Dida following the Brazilian's controversial substitution during last week's Champions League defeat away to Celtic.

Dida was carried off on a stretcher near the end of the Group D match after a Celtic fan invaded the pitch and appeared to make light contact with the goalkeeper.

In a statement released on UEFA's web site (www.uefa.com), European soccer's governing body said the case would be discussed by its disciplinary body on Thursday.

UEFA said the proceedings had been instigated based on a paragraph of their disciplinary regulations which states that ''players, officials and members, shall conduct themselves according to the principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship''.

Milan's lawyer Leandro Cantamessa said the club's medical staff had decided the keeper should be substituted as a precautionary measure.

''Milan did not commit any disloyal act,'' Cantamessa told Italian news agency ANSA's Web site (www.ansa.it).

''The doctor could not take the responsibility of keeping him on the field. This whole affair has been blown up.

''We don't expect any sanction against Milan and, at most, something very light for Dida.'' Celtic are also facing disciplinary action on Thursday for failing to prevent the supporter from running on to the pitch following the winning goal.

Reuters>