Russia and Spain hit by fines as UEFA dishes out more racism sanctions

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By Andrew Warshaw

June 29 – UEFA has handed out yet more fines relating to racist behaviour as the 2012 European Championship finals reach their conclusion.

Russia (supporters pictured above), which has already been hit with a number of sanctions during the tournament due to the unruly conduct of travelling supporters, has been fined a further €30,000 (£24,000/$38,000) after chants were directed at the Czech Republic’s Theodor Gebre Selassie when the sides met on June 8 in Wrocław.

For the first time in the competition, Spain has also been sanctioned, its national federation forced to pay €20,000 (£16,000/$25,000) after its fans directed abuse towards Italy striker Mario Balotelli during the 1-1 group stage draw on June 10.

Balotelli (pictured below) almost single-handedly fired Italy into the final with his two goals against Germany last night and UEFA will be anxious to avoid a repetition of any abuse when the Italians again meet defending champions Spain on Sunday (July 1).

A statement from UEFA said: “The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body have imposed fines of €20,000 and €30,000, respectively, on the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and the Football Union of Russia (RFS).

“The sanction of €20,000 (£16,000/$25,000) against the RFEF has been imposed for the improper conduct of its fans (racist behaviour, racist chanting) during the UEFA Euro 2012 Group C fixture against Italy in Gdansk on 10 June.

“An appeal can be lodged against this decision within 24 hours of the dispatch of the written decision.

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“The RFS has been fined €30,000 (£24,000/$38,000) for the improper conduct of its fans (racist behaviour, racist chanting) at the Group A game against the Czech Republic in Wroclaw on 8 June.

“An appeal may be lodged against this decision within three days of the dispatch of the full written decision.”

Spain’s fine was the minimum that must be enforced for a racism charge under UEFA’s disciplinary rules and reflects the general good behaviour of its fans.

UEFA pledged a zero-tolerance policy toward racism and discrimination before the tournament and appointed anti-discrimination monitors from the European supporters’ network, Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE), to identify offenders.

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