[Europe] UEFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Croatian Football Federation
Saturday 16 Jun 2012
UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatian Football Federation following racist chanting during the Italy game.
It was investigating reports a banana was thrown on to the pitch during the Group C match with Italy on Thursday (14 June).
A photographer reportedly saw a steward retrieving a banana and heard monkey chants directed at Mario Balotelli.
The disciplinary proceedings are outlined for "racist chants, racist symbols" in the crowd.
"UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatian Football Federation for the setting-off and throwing of fireworks, and the improper conduct of supporters (racist chants, racist symbols) at the Uefa Euro 2012 Group C match against Italy in Poznan on Thursday," it said in a statement.
The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body will deal with the case on Tuesday, 19 June.
FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) announced on Friday that their observers heard between 300 and 500 Croatia fans chanting monkey noises, which prompted UEFA to investigate the matter.
Alleged racist chanting in the Spain-Italy and Russia-Czech Republic games are already subject to investigations.
From BBC Sport
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Keith Alexander
"We have to make young people aware of racism and the problems that could arise because of it."
Keith Alexander