UEFA has given its match delegates, whose role is to be principle observer at every Champions League or UEFA Cup game, clear instructions on dealing with potentially racist behaviour.
They have been asked to check disciplinary documents to see if the fans of either of the clubs at their games has a history of racist conduct.
The delegates must also take a print-out of racist symbols – stored in an Extranet service run its headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland – to the match, to help them spot racist or neo-nazi symbols or banners.
Zero tolerance
The delegates are also asked to make use of the matchday organisational meeting to mention the UEFA ‘zero-tolerance’ policy and request that stewards should search for offensive banners and messages.
Before and during the match, delegates are requested to be attentive to any racist behaviour or banners, and request that any banners are removed.
They may also take photos of racist conduct or placards, and mention any incidents in the delegates' reports provided to UEFA.
UEFA President Michel Platini has made tackling racism in European football one of the cornerstones of his regime, and he has called on match delegates to do all within their power to help the European body and FARE to fight racism effectively.
‘No leniency’
"It is vital that your post-match reports ... demonstrate no leniency whatsoever in the face of violent, racist or discriminatory behaviour on the part of players, club officials, technical staff or fans," said Mr Platini in a recent letter to UEFA match officials.
The letter also included information compiled by the FARE network to help identify groups, conduct and slogans that cannot be tolerated in football stadiums.
Delegates at matches will have his full support if they act firmly in the face of racism. "UEFA policy is clear: zero tolerance of violence, racism or discrimination," Mr Platini told the UEFA officials.
"You are the instruments and implementers of this policy and I urge you to be as firm as possible. The image of football lies, to a great extent, in your hands."
