FIFA disciplinary proceedings were opened against Greece yesterday over allegations their fans tried to distract Israel goalkeeper Dudu Aouate with laser beams during last week's World Cup qualifier.

"We are aware of the reports and we have started disciplinary proceedings," a FIFA spokesman said.

Greece won the match 2-1 in Heraklion thanks to a second-half penalty by Giorgios Samaras.

FIFA said it was probing reports that local fans aimed the infra-red beams at Aouate as he was preparing to face the penalty which kept Greece top of Group Two and damaged Israel's chances.

The FIFA spokesman said Greece were warned in October after laser beams were used by their fans during their qualifier against Switzerland. The Swiss won the game 2-1, but the distracting beams were directed at striker Alexander Frei as he was taking a penalty for Switzerland's opening goal.

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