UEFA to launch investigation after Russian fans accused of racism

By Andrew Warshaw

June 10 – UEFA are considering taking action against Russia – hosts of the 2018 World Cup – following yet more alarming reports of racism at Euro 2012.

According to anti-racism observers, Czech defender Theodor Gebre Selassie (pictured above) was targeted by a section of Russian fans during the Group A game between the teams in Wroclaw on Friday (June 8) while other supporters were caught on camera attacking stewards.

“After having looked at the security reports and available images, UEFA has today announced that disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Football Union of Russia (RFS) for the improper conduct of its supporters [crowd disturbances], the setting-off and throwing of fireworks and the display of illicit banners,” a UEFA statement said, adding the case would be heard on Wednesday (June 13)

“In addition, regarding reports of alleged abuse directed at Czech Republic players from Russia fans, UEFA is investigating this further and is working with FARE to collect more evidence.”

Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) chief executive Piara Power, whose organisation has observers at every single game in Poland and Ukraine, confirmed that “fleeting” racist abuse had been directed at Gebre Selassie, the Czech Republic’s only black player.

He also disclosed that “Russian Empire” flags were displayed during Friday night’s game, which Russia won 4-1.

UEFA also confirmed police reports that a handful of stewards were attacked, four of whom needed hospital treatment.

Europe’s governing body said it was aware of “a brief and isolated incident involving a small group of around 30 fans who attacked a handful of stewards.

“The situation was quickly and efficiently brought under control.

“The local police are aware of the incident and investigating.”

“The cause of the incident is not currently known but we are studying the security reports and available images.

“UEFA remains entirely committed to the safety and security of all fans and spectators at all matches of Euro 2012.”

Even before a ball had been kicked at Euro 2012, the tournament – the first major football championship to be staged in Eastern Europe – was beset with reports of discrimination.

The problem of discrimination and violence was initially highlighted by a hard-hitting BBC television documentary.

Then, two days before the Russia-Czech match, members of the Dutch squad were subject to monkey chants by a group of spectators watching an open training session in Krakow but decided not to make an official complaint.

The latest incident heaps further embarrassment on UEFA who have faced constant criticism for granting the tournament to Poland and Ukraine, partly because of the notorious behaviour of their fans towards black players.

The fact that Russian fans have now got involved will not be lost on those planning the 2018 World Cup who, just like Euro 2012 organisers, have consistently played down suggestions that football racism is more entrenched in their country than in the west.

Not surprisingly, Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko was quick to downplay events in Wroclaw, describing as “nonsense” reports that Russian fans were guilty of monkey chants.

“It’s all nonsense and untrue. I was at the match and saw everything,” Mutko said.

The Russians were instead deriding Czech fans who refused to continue a Mexican wave, he said.

“Our fans started doing a wave but the Czech sector didn’t stand up so they started condemning the Czechs with the appropriate noises.”

FARE was not qualified to comment, he suggested.

“This organisation has no connection whatsoever to football,” he said.

Mutko was backed up by Russian Football Union President Sergei Fursenko, who said: “I didn’t hear or see anything.”

Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734887356labto1734887356ofdlr1734887356owedi1734887356sni@w1734887356ahsra1734887356w.wer1734887356dna1734887356