UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Ruud van Nistelrooy after the Dutch striker insulted Swedish referee Anders Frisk after Wednesday’s Euro 2004 semi-final against Portugal.

UEFA’s disciplinary committee will deal with the matter on Friday, European soccer’s governing body said on Thursday.

Holland lost the game 2-1 and Van Nistelrooy was reported to become involved in a huge row with Frisk in the tunnel after the game.

The Dutchman also told reporters after the match that he believed Frisk had favoured the tournament hosts.

“It’s unbelievable how the referee ruled everything in favour of Portugal. He was a real home whistler,” Van Nistelrooy said.

“Every 50-50 situation was for them but we cannot do anything about it.”