Racism crisis: Roma fans target England’s Vieira with money chants
October 21 – Racism has once more marred Italian football. This time Sampdoria and England U-21 midfielder Ronaldo Vieira was the target of monkey chants from AS Roma fans.
Europe
UEFA separate Russia and Kosovo in bid to keep the peace
By Andrew Warshaw
October 21 – In another strategic move to preserve football’s geo-political status quo, UEFA have decided to keep apart Russia and Kosovo in European competition because of “security risks”.
Olsson says ‘no decision’ on Champions League format imminent
By Andrew Warshaw
October 18 – No final decision on the format to revamp the Champions League post-2024 will be taken for at least a year but a closed shop competition is a “no go” area, according to the head of the umbrella body representing Europe’s major leagues.
Racism crisis: Politicos put pressure on UEFA to ban teams
October 18 – British politicians from across all parties are urging UEFA to ban teams who do not tackle racism effectively, following Monday’s highly publicised incidents in Sofia when England played Bulgaria.
Relief for Premier League clubs as 4th Champions League spot looks safe
October 18 – English Premier League clubs have been reassured there are no plans to strip them of their fourth automatic Champions League place.
El Clasico called off as Catalonian violence escalates
October 18 – This month’s El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid has been called off because of fears of civil unrest just 24 hours after reports suggested that Spanish football chiefs would reject reversing the two league fixtures between the clubs.
Bulgarian police make six arrests after racist night of shame
October 18 – Bulgarian police have made six arrests in the aftermath of Monday’s Euro 2020 qualifier against England, which was twice halted for racist chanting and Nazi salutes and led to the Bulgarian football president, Borislav Mihaylov, resigning 24 hours later.
Catalan unrest unlikely to sway RFEF to reverse Barca vs Real Madrid this weekend
October 17 – Spanish football chiefs are reportedly likely to reject La Liga’s request to switch El Clasico on October 26 from Barcelona to Real Madrid because of the ongoing civil unrest throughout Catalonia.
Stoichkov sheds TV tears over Bulgaria’s abusive fans
October 17 – Bulgarian football legend Hristo Stoichkov was reduced to tears in response to the racist abuse dished out by Bulgaria’s fans towards England’s players during their Euro 2020 qualifier earlier this week.
Ceferin calls for war in racists as Infantino says it is time to ‘eradicate’ the ‘obnoxious disease’
By Andrew Warshaw
October 16 – UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Bulgaria following the racist abuse towards England’s black players that made Europe-wide headlines while UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin insisted football alone cannot eradicate the problem.
St Pauli axe Turkish midfielder Sahin for supporting war on Kurds
October 15 – Germany’s St Pauli have parted company with their Turkish midfielder Cenk Sahin, after he posted support of Turkey’s military offensive against the Kurds on social media. Sahin will return his old club Istanbul Basaksehir.
Spain wrap international window with last gasp Euro qualification goal
October 16 – Spain qualified for Euro 2020 with a last-gasp 1-1 draw away to Sweden. They join Belgium, Italy, Poland, Russia and Ukraine in next year’s finals.
Racism crisis: Two strikes but they stay. England and Bulgaria play out ugly qualifier
By Andrew Warshaw
October 15 – Forget the 6-0 scoreline, impressive though it was. The resurgence of racism sweeping through European football reached a new low at international level on Monday when England’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria was halted twice after home fans were warned about racist behaviour including Nazi salutes and monkey chanting.
French minister calls for UEFA to sanction Turkey over players’ military salutes
By David Owen
October 15 – French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu has called on UEFA to sanction Turkey after the Turkish team’s players executed another military-style salute in the Stade de France on Monday night.
Bulgarian coach Balakov says England are the real racists
October 14 – Tensions ahead of tonight’s European Championship qualifier between Bulgaria and England have been racked up after Bulgarian coach Krasimir Balakov accused England of having a bigger racism problem than his own country.