Platini promises hard action against racism

PARIS - Agence France-Presse

UEFA president Michel Platini attends a press conference about the Euro 2016 football tournament. AFP photo

UEFA president Michel Platini hinted yesterday that European football’s governing body would come down hard on Serbia if claims that several England under-21 players were subjected to racist abuse there are proven.

“We’ll collate all the reports, we have the television pictures, the disciplinary committee is already on it,” Platini said on the sidelines of a Euro 2016 organizing committee meeting.

“But we have already dished out a yellow card to Serbia (for previous instances of trouble).
“Racism is a problem that affects us massively. We’re fighting it, and that’s what I replied to the British prime minister, who wrote to me.”

England Under-21s’ 1-0 victory over Serbia in Krusevac last week, which saw them qualify for next year’s European Championship in Israel, was overshadowed by apparent racism from the stands towards England full-back Danny Rose.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has been “appalled” at the scenes and wanted “tough sanctions” against Serbian football if racism is proven.

The UEFA disciplinary committee will meet on November 22 to decide what, if any, punishment needs to be meted out.