News in 2006

11th April 2006

UEFA to clamp down on racism

UEFA have reiterated their intolerance of racism and insist any show of sectarianism in matches involving Scotland's Old Firm will be clamped down upon.

European football's governing body could punish Rangers on Wednesday after investigating reports of bigoted chanting and hooliganism during the recent Champions League showdown against Spanish side Villarreal. UEFA director of communications William Gaillard insists the action is part of a worldwide purge which is being spearheaded by FIFA ahead of this summer's World Cup finals.

Gaillard denied Rangers had been specifically targeted as part of the crackdown, as he told the Daily Record: "If Celtic participate in European competition next season and the chanting is offensive then I'm sure our match delegate will notice it and report it."

He added: "Celtic, in the past, have a good record in European competitions and their supporters were awarded the Fair Play trophy after the UEFA Cup final in Seville. But nobody is above the law. They'll be scrutinised just like every other club in Europe.

"Everyone is aware of the problems you have with religion in Scotland and, to be fair, the Scottish FA has always said such chanting is unacceptable.

"In recent years I've read many statements by the SFA which were very firm on that and UEFA firmly support their actions."

Source: Football365.com