From Andrew Warshaw at Westminster in London
May 15 – Referees at the 2012 European Championship will, for the first time, be given the green light to sanction players for racial abuse, following the publication of new UEFA guidelines.
Enhanced powers for the officials in Poland and Ukraine were revealed today by English Football Association (FA) chairman David Bernstein (pictured below) during an address to a one-off Parliamentary hearing on racism in football.
The return of racial tension was one of the more unedifying aspects of an otherwise spectacular Premier League season, with incidents involving both Chelsea captain John Terry (pictured above, right) – stripped of the England leadership – and Liverpool’s Luis Suárez, banned for eight games.
Bernstein said UEFA President Michel Platini had given the go-ahead for the officials to get tough in Poland and Ukraine if they spot any players dishing out verbal abuse.
“I met Michel Platini two weeks ago and raised the subject with him,” Bernstein disclosed to members of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
“UEFA are taking this issue very seriously.
“They are giving referees increased powers to deal with issues that arise in matches, for the first time, should they arise.
“Hopefully they won’t.”
Bernstein was asked to comment specifically on Carlos Tevez’s provocative gesture that made national headlines today in the wake of Manchester City’s thrilling title success.
The Argentine striker, who has been no stranger to controversy, held up a tasteless banner goading Sir Alex Ferguson, his former manager at Manchester United, during City’s celebratory title-winning parade.
Tevez has already apologised after being pictured with a sign that read “RIP Fergie” – but Bernstein hinted that the player could nevertheless face some kind of sanction.
“It was silly and clearly wasn’t very sensible but I’d rather not say any more than that,” Bernstein said.
“It will be looked at properly by the people who make those decisions.
“It’s a high profile incident – it was a very excitable moment and emotions were running very high.
“I don’t think it’s the most serious thing I’ve ever come across but I don’t want to pass judgement because I don’t know all the facts.”
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