A thrilling night of football turned into a shameful event as referee Herbert Fandel was forced to abandon the Euro 2008 qualifier between Denmark and Sweden one minute before the end after being attacked by a Danish fan. The Danes made a magnificent comeback from three goals down to level the score to 3-3, but the entertaining display was overshadowed by a late fracas. It started when Denmark midfielder Christian Poulsen struck Markus Rosenberg inside the area, and the German referee had no option but to send the Sevilla midfielder off and award an 89th penalty. As soon as the referee took action, an angry fan stormed in rage towards him, but he was bravely blocked by Denmark defender Michael Gravgaard. Fandel abandoned the game immediately, but the result will not be confirmed until an investigation is run by UEFA's disciplinary committee following receipt of the reports from its delegate and the referee, the European governing body announced. Sweden were three goals up in the first 26 minutes, courtesy of goals from Johan Elmander (twice) and Petter Hansson. Liverpool defender Daniel Agger pulled one back for Denmark 9 minutes before half-time, before John Dahl Tomasson and Leon Andreasen completed the superb fight back.
However, the thrilling contest was damaged after Poulsen's ill-fated act. "This was supposed to be a football party, but then these two ill tempered incidents happened and made it a real anti-climax," Danish goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen told reporters after the game. "My mind just went click and I hit him, I want to apologize to my teammates and to the spectators," said the guilty Poulsen. "It's the most stupid thing I've ever done. It happened at a time when we had pulled back Sweden's lead. I can't explain it." It is likely that the Swedes will be awarded the three points after a Danish member of the UEFA disciplinary committee hinted the possible outcome. In the same Group F, Spain grabbed an easy 2-0 victory at Latvia, to remain third on 12 points.
