Fans celebrate earlier in the weekend but now some are stranded

They are among thousands of supporters returning from Italy after Wales disappointing four nil defeat at the hand of the Italians, putting their place in next year's Euro 2004 finals in question.

The 747 jumbo jet descended through a storm as it approached Cardiff International Airport earlier on Sunday when it was struck on the right wing.

No-oe was injured but more than 400 fans are waiting at Milan airport for the return flight.

Among them is BBC Wales reporter Mark Hutchings, who said: "It's all we need at this moment . Some people are getting a bit ratty.

Medical conditions

Safety checks to ensure the plane is safe to fly again mean it may not collect new passengers until Monday.

However, only women with children and people with medical conditions will be allowed to travel on the next flight.

Meanwhile, nine fans are still in custody in Milan after they were allegedly involved in fighting.

The eight men and a woman were arrested after violent scenes involving rival camps of Welsh fans outside a restaurant in the Italian city's canal quarter.

They appeared before a magistrate on Saturday when their case was adjourned and the eight were detained in prison.

It is understood they will be back in court in Monday.

Police said scores of Swansea and Newport fans clashed with Cardiff supporters on Friday night.

Four of those held are from Cardiff, two are from Swansea, one is from Barry and two are from Newport. All are aged between 20 and 31.

Mark Delaney after another Italian goal

Meanwhile, some fans who watched the defeat at the San Siro stadium are complaining of the behaviour of rival Italian supporters during the game.

They were in a lower tier of the huge showpiece stadium and were showered with missiles including bottles and coins from higher levels during the game.

The fans say Italian riot police failed to intervene.

The outbreaks of violence marred what had otherwise been a peaceful build-up to Wales' crunch game with Italy in the Euro 2004 qualifiers.

Wales' biggest ever contingent of supporters had made the "trip of a lifetime" to Milan in expectation after the team defeated the Italian side at home last autumn.

But it was not to be the fans' - or their team's - night.

Wales fans cannot bear to watch

Despite an impressive performance in the first 45 minutes, a second-half hat-trick by Filippo Inzaghi and a penalty by Alessandro Del Piero sank Welsh hopes..

Meanwhile, the defeated Welsh squad led by manager Mark Hughes flew back to Cardiff International Airport early on Sunday.

After the Italian defeat, Wales next qualifier game against Finland in the Millennium Stadium assumes extra importance.

Wales now either need to beat Finland or draw with Serbia and Montenegro in their next two matches to make certain of a play-off place in Portugal.