Wales soccer bosses insist they will "vigorously defend" Ryan Giggs from any attempt by UEFA to throw him out of the Euro 2004 play-off second leg in Cardiff tomorrow. Wales believe Russian players deliberately targeted Giggs during the 0-0 first-leg draw in Moscow and the player said a horror assault by Evseev seconds before the alleged elbowing incident was "the worst tackle I have had to contend with at any time during my career."

Ceri Stennett, FA of Wales spokesman, said: "We will vigorously defend Ryan if the situation arises.

"We would certainly not sit back and just accept a ban.

"We are very disappointed that the Russians have taken this action because there were many things at the match in Moscow we were not happy with.

"Our players Paul Jones and Danny Gabbidon were the targets of bottles and flares thrown on to the pitch, and we would certainly mention the terrible tackle on Ryan and the fact the Russian player involved clearly threw himself to the ground feigning injury.

"We have been told by UEFA that they will be investigating Russia's claims and in the unlikely event of his being banned from the second leg, we would appeal immediately."

TV evidence does show Giggs using his elbow, but there was no connection with Evseev's face and the player then theatrically threw himself to the floor.

Alexander Tukmanov, the executive director of the Russian Football Union, said: "We have sent UEFA the tape so they can have a closer look at the incident."

RFU president Vyacheslav Koloskov added: "Giggs' actions clearly violate the principles of fair play.

"He should have been red-carded then and that means he would have to be suspended for the second leg. The problem is there is little time left for UEFA to take action before the game."