KHARKIV: A UEFA charge that England fans attempted a pitch invasion during their Euro 2012 win over Sweden in Kyiv on Friday night is likely to be contested by the Football Association.

The European federation’s control and disciplinary committee meets on Wednesday to consider all the facts pertaining to a charge of “inappropriate conduct” by supporters during the 3-2 Group D win in Kyiv.

England’s second and third goals at the Olympic Stadium did result in around 20-30 fans surging forward towards the barriers. It is understood the FA will argue there was no intent to invade the pitch, simply supporters showing their exuberance after watching their side recover from a 2-1 deficit.

Written submissions will include evidence from UK police and the FA’s own fans’ liaison representative, while they could also point to the report of UEFA’s delegate at the game which labelled the conduct of England supporters as “satisfactory”.

Croatia were fined £20,298 last week over the behaviour of their fans at their opening Euro 2012 game against Republic of Ireland, which included a pitch invasion.

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