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Punch sparks big brawl

Valencia's David Navarro sparked a free-for-all when he broke the nose of Inter Milan's Nicolas Burdisso after Tuesday night's Uefa Champions League match, with players from both teams becoming involved.

Valencia's David Navarro sparked a free-for-all when he broke the nose of Inter Milan's Nicolas Burdisso after Tuesday night's Uefa Champions League match, with players from both teams becoming involved.

The fracas continued in the tunnel with Inter players trying to confront Navarro in Valencia's dressing room.

"A decision is expected at the next disciplinary body meeting on March 22," a Uefa spokesman said yesterday.

A goalless draw at the Mestalla took Valencia through to the quarterfinals of the tournament on the away goals rule after the Spanish side secured a 2-2 draw in Milan in the first leg.

But the result was overshadowed by events on the final whistle.

Valencia midfielder Carlos Marchena looked to kick out at Burdisso after exchanging words.

The incident sparked the brawl and Navarro, a substitute who had not featured in the match, ran on to the middle of the pitch and punched Burdisso.

Several Inter players tried to trip up Navarro as he ran off the pitch and the fighting continued in the tunnel and outside the dressing rooms.

Inter coach Roberto Mancini dubbed Navarro "a coward" for his actions.

"Now I have seen the footage there's nothing else you can say about someone who throws a punch like that and runs away," Mancini said.

Navarro has apologised for his role in the fracas, admitting:

"I have never behaved in this fashion before and I will never do it again, I am very sorry and ashamed.

"I saw that they were trying to attack a teammate and I lost my nerve," Navarro told Spanish radio station Cadena Star. - BBC

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