March 19 – As anticipated, UEFA has charged Inter Milan over the racist behaviour of their fans during the recent Europa League game at home to Tottenham Hotspur last week.
Inter fans taunted Spurs striker Emmanuel Adebayor and other black players with monkey chants – clearly heard by Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas. The Italian club has also been charged with insufficient organisation and throwing of missiles and/or fireworks. The case will be dealt with on April 19.
Inter have already been fined a total of £55,900 by the Italian authorities this season for racist behaviour against Chievo and then in the derby against AC Milan.
Lazio were fined £32,500 for racist chants towards three Tottenham players during a Europa League group match last September. That was followed, after further offences, by a far heavier fine, then an order – despite fierce protests by Lazio – to play two European games behind closed doors as UEFA started to get tough.
FA chairman David Bernstein condemned the Inter fans’ behaviour. “It is unacceptable and concerning that clubs in Europe have had to endure recurrences of abuse this season,” he said on the FA’s website.
“I am sure UEFA will take appropriate action but it also reminds us of the need to work collectively across national and international football authorities to deal with this serious issue, as we are also doing in this country.
“This is a matter I will take up as a priority with the new FIFA anti-racism and discrimination task force when I meet its head Jeffrey Webb in the near future.”
Despite Bernstein’s comments, this was the first time Inter had been charged in Europe, meaning they are likely to get away with a fine even though they have been in trouble domestically.
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