Savo Milosevic defended Yugoslavia's aggressive reputation as UEFA prepare to launch an investigation into the conduct of their fans during a remarkable 4-3 defeat by Spain.

In the most thrilling match of the tournament so far, Spain scored twice in injury time to finish top of Group C.

But, although Norway's goalless draw with Slovenia also guaranteed Yugoslavia a place in the quarter-finals against Holland, they face action from UEFA after French match official Gilles Veissiere was left with a cut above his eye.

Veissiere was struck by a coin thrown from the Yugoslav section of the crowd as he made his way off the pitch. The attack followed two pitch invasions by irate Yugoslavia fans who were incensed by the Frenchman's decision to add on five costly minutes of injury time.

Milosevic, who fired home his fourth goal of the tournament to open the scoring on the half-hour, claims that his people do not deserve their reputation for violence following the civil war which tore Yugoslavia apart during the last decade.

The former Aston Villa striker also refused to rule out a move back to the Premiership, even though his three-year spell with the Midlands club did not work out.

Now at Real Zaragoza, Milosevic said: 'To be honest I do not like to mix politics and sport but we are trying hard to convince everyone we are normal people.

'When I was in England I never had a problem with the people there. I am a Serb and since I moved to Spain I have spoken to many friends in England who all tell me they have had no problems either. It has been the same throughout this championship also.

'I have a great opportunity as a player to show people we are normal and that is what I try to do.

'I have no regrets about my time in England and I would never rule out going back. But I found Spanish football is like the Yugoslavia game and therefore it was easy for me to adjust to it.

'It was a difficult time for me in England but I would not blame anybody for that. I stayed at Villa for three years and played over 100 Premiership games.

'I used it to gain experience and that has helped me in Spain.'

Milosevic now sits on top of the scoring charts in Euro 2000. But while many may be surprised at his success, Milosevic is equally aghast at England's early exit.

He added: 'Of course I'm surprised that England have gone out in the first round.'