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| Swiss ref Meier shocked by net hoax http://www.bbfans.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=45&t=15151 |
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| Author: | JimD [ 21 Oct 04, 21:34 ] |
| Post subject: | Swiss ref Meier shocked by net hoax |
Thu 21 October, 2004 13:12 By Mark Ledsom BERN (Reuters) Swiss referee Urs Meier says he was shocked after hackers broke into his personal website and posted a fake apology for his decision to disallow an England goal at Euro 2004. Meier received death threats after he controversially ruled out a late effort by defender Sol Campbell during England's quarter-final defeat by hosts Portugal in June. "It's unbelievable -- I really thought this whole story was over," Meier told Swiss newspaper Blick. "Even in England, where I was starting to receive positive reports, the situation seemed to have returned to normal." The hacker posted the message in English, prompting Swiss media to speculate that a disgruntled England fan may have been responsible. "I took money from a senior UEFA official so that the hosts, Portugal, would stay in the tournament," the website falsely quoted Meier as saying. "I am really sorry, and after all that's happened I can no longer referee at this level. So I am retiring immediately." One correct fact concerned Meier's international retirement, although this happened because the 45-year-old reached the age limit for referees. He continues to oversee Champions League matches, however, and refereed Inter Milan's 5-1 victory in Valencia on Wednesday. |
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