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Italy: Inter Milan left empty by UEFA Champions League win [Thu Aug 25th, 2005]
Inter Milan believe it is counter-productive to play in an empty stadium, after drawing 1-1 against Shakhtar Donetsk at the San Siro in their UEFA Champions League qualifier.
The Nerazzurri played behind closed doors for the first time in Europe as part of the first of a four-match stadium ban handed down by UEFA after last season's disorder at the match with neighbours AC Milan.
Although Inter drew 1-1, they were still able to claim a place in the Champions League group stages thanks to the 2-0 lead taken in the opening game in the Ukraine.
"We have qualified to the group stages and we are delighted," said coach Roberto Mancini. "But you cannot play football in a situation like this one.
"To play at an empty stadium is absurd and it would be better to play in these cases on the road."
Inter, who were punished by UEFA earlier this year after crowd trouble during their Champions League quarter-final against AC Milan, believe it's time UEFA considered an alternative punishment.
"It's the first time that I have watched a game behind closed doors," said club president Giacinto Facchetti. "This is not football."
"We understand that UEFA wanted to punish our fans and the club, who are not at fault, for what happened in the derby in last season's Champions League," he added.
"I really think it would be better to play abroad and give the money to charity, it would be an opportunity to help those in need. If I was a UEFA member I would consider this possibility. Although it's too late to change now, it's something that could be a solution in the future."
PA Sport
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