European football has been rocked by a series of racist incidents during Euro 2024, prompting UEFA to take decisive action against the offending nations.
Seven countries – Serbia, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, and Albania – have been handed down sanctions for the discriminatory behaviour of their fans.
The punishments vary in severity, with Croatia facing the harshest penalties: a €50,000 fine and a ban on ticket sales for their upcoming Nations League match against Portugal on September 3. At the other end of the spectrum, Austria received a suspended two-year ban on ticket sales and a €20,000 fine.
A total of 17 matches were marred by racist incidents, a shocking statistic that underscores the prevalence of the issue in European football. UEFA’s decision to impose sanctions is a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
The governing body’s efforts to combat racism have also extended to players. Spain’s Rodri and Alvaro Morata were charged for singing offensive songs about Gibraltar following their Euro 2024 triumph over England. The charges were brought after a formal complaint from the Gibraltar Football Association.
As football continues to grapple with the issue of racism, UEFA’s actions serve as a crucial step. These efforts aim to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all fans.