1973 European Cup Winners' Cup final
The 1973 European Cup Winners' Cup Final was the final football match of the 1972–73 European Cup Winners' Cup and the 13th European Cup Winners' Cup final. It was contested between Milan of Italy and Leeds United of England, and was held at Kaftanzoglio Stadium in Thessaloniki, Greece. Milan won the match 1–0. The referee was banned from officiating for life by UEFA, for match-fixing.
Match programme cover | |||||||
| Event | 1972–73 European Cup Winners' Cup | ||||||
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| Date | 16 May 1973 | ||||||
| Venue | Kaftanzoglio Stadium, Thessaloniki | ||||||
| Referee | Christos Michas (Greece) | ||||||
| Attendance | 40,154 | ||||||
The Greek crowd at the final reacted to perceived bias towards Milan by referee Christos Michas by throwing missiles during the victors' lap of honour, but despite protests, the result was not overturned. UEFA later banned Michas for life due to match fixing, although his role in this match was not investigated.
Leeds, who perceived referee Christos Michas to have made a number of unfair decisions, attempted to gain a replay but UEFA denied the request. Decades later Richard Corbett, then MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, petitioned UEFA for a revocation of the Milan title.