Coach backs Dida despite 'error'

Dida has been condemned for overreacting at Celtic Park

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti says he will stand by 'keeper Dida but admits he was wrong to react the way he did after being confronted by a Celtic fan.

Dida collapsed dramatically after being hit in the face towards the end of Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park.

He was eventually stretchered off but has been criticised for overreacting.

Ancelotti said: "In the last few years Dida has shown great sportsmanship, but he made an error, I do not know why. He has made a mistake, but that is that."

Uefa has asked Milan to explain why Dida was substituted and Ancelotti said: "The doctor could not know the extent of the damage and preferred to avoid any risks."

Dida's team-mate, Kaka, also felt his reaction was a mistake.

"He made his choice and we will support him even though what he did was wrong. It was a difficult moment for him," Kaka told the club's official website.

"He had just let in a goal, then there was the slap from that fan."

To see him leave the park on a stretcher could have been described as farcical Gordon Smith SFA chief executive

The supporter who confronted Dida, Robert McHendry, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday and admitted breaching the peace.

Sentencing of the 27-year-old was deferred until 2 November.

Meanwhile, Uefa has launched an investigation into the incident and could punish Celtic, although they are unlikely to forfeit the match.

Uefa's control and disciplinary body will deal with the case at their next disciplinary meeting on 11 October.

BBC Sport understands that the most likely outcome is a heavy, six-figure fine for Celtic.

They are also likely to be given a warning that another incident will lead to Uefa forcing the club to play behind closed doors.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Should Dida be punished?

Dida's actions will also be considered by Uefa.

Celtic chairman Brian Quinn said: "I'm making no excuses for the behaviour and the fan behaved disgracefully.

"But the contact made with the goalkeeper was minimal. His antics have to be taken into account as well.

"He took a couple of steps after the fan and then obviously made this decision that he should go to ground.

"Unless I missed something, he was carried off on a stretcher for what seemed to be the lightest tap you can imagine."