Sunday, June 24, 2007
UEFA back referee to stop final
UEFA have backed referee Damir Skomina to stop play in the Under-21 European Championship final if Serbia fans are heard racially abusing Holland players.
Skomina, from Slovenia, could take the players off the pitch at Groningen's Euroborg Stadion if there is a repeat of the racist chanting towards Nedum Onuoha during England's win over Serbia earlier in the tournament.
UEFA president Michel Platini is determined to tackle racism and the governing body for football in Europe would support a stand to protect players and other fans.
'The referee is in charge and we would support him if he heard racist chanting and took the players off,' said UEFA director of communications William Gaillard ahead of tomorrow's final.
'Racism is something we will not tolerate.
Holland and Serbia will wear anti-racism t-shirts before the final.
Skomina, from Slovenia, could take the players off the pitch at Groningen's Euroborg Stadion if there is a repeat of the racist chanting towards Nedum Onuoha during England's win over Serbia earlier in the tournament.
UEFA president Michel Platini is determined to tackle racism and the governing body for football in Europe would support a stand to protect players and other fans.
'The referee is in charge and we would support him if he heard racist chanting and took the players off,' said UEFA director of communications William Gaillard ahead of tomorrow's final.
'Racism is something we will not tolerate.
Holland and Serbia will wear anti-racism t-shirts before the final.
