Match abandoned after ref hit

The Champions' League match between Roma and Dynamo Kiev was abandoned at half-time in Rome last night after the Swedish referee Anders Frisk was struck by an object thrown from the stands.

The Champions' League match between Roma and Dynamo Kiev was abandoned at half-time in Rome last night after the Swedish referee Anders Frisk was struck by an object thrown from the stands.

Moments earlier, shortly after blowing the half-time whistle, Frisk had sent off the Roma defender Philippe Mexes for a petulant kick on the Kiev striker Maris Verpakovskis.

Mexes had to be restrained as he walked off the field. Frisk was then struck on the top of his head by an object - which TV replays suggested was a cigarette lighter - hurled from the stands.

Blood poured from the wound, and Frisk had to be helped down into the changing-rooms by his fellow officials. He was taken to a hospital and after a 35-minute wait it was announced that the game would be abandoned, apparently because Frisk judged the fourth official too inexperienced to take over.

Dynamo led the Group B match 1-0 at half-time thanks to of the Serbian defender Goran Gavrancic's glorious 35-yard free-kick in the 28th minute.