Soccer-UEFA starts disciplinary proceedings against Albania over pitch invasion

Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Group B - Italy v Albania - Dortmund BVB Stadion, Dortmund, Germany - June 15, 2024 Albania's Elseid Hysaj looks dejected after the match REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

DORTMUND, Germany (Reuters) - UEFA is starting disciplinary proceedings against the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) over incidents including a pitch invasion and the throwing of objects during the country's 2-1 defeat by Italy in Dortmund at Euro 2024 on Saturday.

European soccer's governing body said in a statement on Sunday that it had also begun proceedings over the lighting of fireworks by Albania fans during the Group B game, as well as "transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event".

UEFA did not provide any further details about the message alleged to have been transmitted.

The organisation said UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will decide on the matter in due course.

(Reporting by Sam Tobin; Editing by Ken Ferris)