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.
“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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