Inter Milan said Wednesday it would not appeal to UEFA because of an ugly post-match brawl after its elimination from the Champions League by Valencia.
"The match was over, we were knocked out on the field. The brawl doesn't affect the result," said CEO Ernesto Paolillo.
Chairman Massimo Moratti showed little inclination to talk about the fighting in which each side appeared to have a share of the blame.
All he said was "I didn't expect something like that given that the match was over".
Inter players were unanimous in condemning Valencia sub David Navarro for an apparent rabbit punch that broke Inter defender Nicolas Burdisso's nose.
But none held out any hope that the incident would lead to UEFA overturning the result.
Italian sports dailies and politicians voiced outrage at the violent scenes on the pitch in Valencia, calling them "a disgrace."
Respected commentator Candido Cannavo', in La Gazzetta dello Sport, spoke for many in saying the incident was "all the more indecent" because it came from "highly paid professionals who should be setting an example instead of behaving like hooligans".
Speaking as the Senate approved a hooligan crackdown in the wake of a policeman's death last month, Sports Undersecretary Giovanni Lolli said the measure was urgently needed to wipe out "a culture of violence" that was "unfortunately confirmed last night".
"I expect a tough response from UEFA," Lolli said, adding that "Italian soccer came out looking bad" because of the brawl.
UEFA opened an inquiry into the scuffles Wednesday but stressed that Valencia would be in the Champions League draw in Athens on Friday.
