UEFA has charged Croatia for its fans’ racial abuse towards Italy’s Mario Balotelli during the country’s 1-1 draw with Italy.
From the Chicago Sun Times:
UEFA received reports from anti-discrimination monitors working with Football Against Racism in Europe, who wrote that Croatia fans made monkey noises and displayed far-right nationalist flags.
Balotelli, who is black, started the game for Italy against Croatia, and was replaced in the second half of the 1-1 draw.
“It was fairly consistent throughout the game,” FARE executive director Piara Powar told The Associated Press. “It was at its most intense as he was substituted and left the field.”
The charge also relates to fireworks thrown on the field after Croatia scored, which delayed Italy’s kickoff to restart the game.
This is not Croatia’s first racist incident. Four years ago, UEFA fined Croatia $19,600 for its fans’ neo-Nazi flags and chants during a quarterfinals loss to Turkey at Euro 2008. Also in 2008, FIFA fined Croatia $...
Original Story:
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June 18, 2012
