IRISH FANS TO BE GIVEN SPECIAL AWARD

Kiev: European football’s governing body is to give a special award to fans of the Republic of Ireland for their behaviour in Euro 2012 co-host Poland, UEFA’s secretary-general Gianni Infantino said on Saturday.

“The executive committee has decided to give a special award to the Irish football fans,” he told a news conference in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, on the eve of the Euro 2012 final between Spain and Italy.

“Everyone was very impressed by the fans of the national team of the Republic of Ireland who came to Poland. (Uefa) president (Michel) Platini will go to Ireland to give the award.”

The Republic of Ireland lost all three of their Group C matches against Spain, Italy and Croatia but there was high praise from the Polish press, public and authorities for the way in which the team’s fans conducted themselves. — AFP