Irish boss Brian Kerr is unhappy over Uefa's decision

Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr has slammed the decision to make Georgia play their Euro 2004 qualifier against Russia on 30 April behind closed doors.

Georgia were punished on Tuesday by Uefa following crowd trouble during the Republic's 2-1 victory in Tbilisi last month.

Sunderland midfielder Kevin Kilbane was hit by an open pen-knife thrown from the crowd.

Defender Gary Breen was also hit by a ball bearing and goalscorer Damien Duff was struck by a plastic drinks bottle.

It was Kerr's first competitive match in charge since taking over from Mick McCarthy, with goals from Damien Duff and Gary Doherty.

The punishment follows a precedent set by Uefa during the qualifying campaign for next year's European Championship as they continue to show a get tough attitude to crowd trouble.

The decision saddens me greatly Brian Kerr

But Kerr is unhappy because the decision may not do Irish ambitions any favours, as Georgia are bottom of the group with just one point from three games.

Second-placed Russia, who beat Ireland 4-2 during McCarthy's tenure, are two points ahead of Kerr's side having played a game fewer.

Ireland are second bottom, four points adrift of group leaders Switzerland.

"The decision saddens me greatly," said Kerr on the official FAI website.

"Ourselves and Switzerland have had to go there and play in front of a partisan and volatile crowd and this decision gives Russia an unfair advantage."

The punishment follows comparable penalties handed out by Uefa in the last six months.

Slovakia were ordered to play their match against Liechtenstein behind closed doors following racist abuse aimed at Arsenal defender Ashley Cole during England's trip to Bratislava last autumn.

England themselves must hope for clemency from European football's governing body.

Uefa confirmed that they intend to investigate the two pitch invasions and racist singing at the Turkey game in Sunderland earlier this month.

Hungarian side Ferencvaros and Partizan Belgrade have suffered the same fate as the Slovakians after incidents in European club ties.