From the Web:
Kelly: Italy fearful of Spain-Croatia 2-2 scoreline
UEFA alleges that sections of the Croatian support directed monkey chants at Italian striker Mario Balotelli, who is black. Sanctions could range from fines to the docking of points in future competition. Russia has already been warned that it could be docked six points in the qualifying round for Euro 2016 if its fans continue to act up.
There has been no formal complaint from Italy, because none of its staff on hand witnessed the behaviour.
This latest incident follows allegations of racism in Krakow by Polish fans and during a game against the Czech Republic by Russian fans. This is the first threat of formal sanction based on racist fan behaviour.
More on Euro 2012
The HNS, the Croatian federation, immediately rebuked whatever part of its support was guilty of taunting Balotelli and begged leniency.
“The Croatian Football Federation distances itself from all deviant behaviour on the part of the fans during the final tournament of UEFA Euro 2012 and strongly condemns it,” the HNS said in an English-language statement.
The statement went on to request no punishment be levied and that UEFA “not associate it with the part of the fans who actually are not supporters, but hooligans which should be isolated from all sports events.”
UEFA will consider the case on Wednesday.
No comments:
Post a Comment