Poulsen apolgises for sparking ref attack as Danes face UEFA action

Fandel abandoned the Euro 2008 qualifier against Sweden at Copenhagen's Parken Stadium in the 89th minute when the supporter — a 29-year-old Dane who lives in Sweden — grabbed the German official round the neck and was prevented from landing a punch by several Denmark players.

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The irate fan was arrested after the match but was released after a hearing early yesterday.

The drama was sparked by Fandel's decision to award a penalty to Sweden and show Poulsen a red card for punching striker Markus Rosenberg in the stomach.

The Swedes had surrendered a three-goal lead to their Scandinavian rivals in a dramatic Group F clash, but they were denied the opportunity to score a winner from the spot as Fandel immediately abandoned the match.

The result will now be decided by UEFA's disciplinary committee, which is also certain to hand out further punishment to the Danish FA, who said it would not protest if UEFA gave Sweden victory. As well as a heavy fine, it is possible Morten Olsen's team will have to play their remaining home qualifiers in other countries.

Poulson accepted his share of the blame, admitting he lost his head.

The Sevilla midfielder said: I was involved in a tussle with the Swedish player, who I felt had provoked me twice. I saw red and I hit him. I would like to apologise to my teammates and the general public. It happened at a time when we'd pulled back Sweden's lead and were in the driving seat. I can't condone it.'

Olsen has now called on his players to make amends for the controversy by winning their next qualifier in Latvia on Wednesday. It was a black day for Danish football,' he said. I've spoken with the players who caused the affair.

Poulsen wasn't the only one to blame for the episode, but that doesn't excuse what he did.'

It was a disturbing end to an enthralling match in which Sweden went three goals up inside half an hour, with Johan Elmander scoring either side of Petter Hansson's free-kick.

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger pulled one back for Denmark and second-half goals from Jon Dahl Tomasson and substitute Leon Andreasen looked to have completed an amazing comeback before the dramatic abandonment.