UEFA: The Spineless, Faceless Behemoth Ruining Football
In light of the frankly absurd “punishment” hand out by UEFA to CSKA Moscow over their alleged racist chanting directed at Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure. I thought now would be a good time to point out that this isn’t the first time that UEFA have done this, though it must be said that this could be their worst effort to punish a team to date.
As a result of the alleged racist chanting from the CSKA fans during last weeks Champions League game in Moscow. UEFA have ordered the D section of the stadium closed for the European game against Bayern Munich next week. What? Seriously? Not even a fine? So this begs the question, what about this action do UEFA believe will help kick racism out of the game? Which D section racist is now thinking to themselves “Well bugger me, not allowed in the stadium for one game, that has completely changed my beliefs and i’m now a reformed character ready to accept anyone. Nah i think i’ll sit in a different part of the ground for the next game and carry on with my racist abuse”. This type of action shows just how out of touch with the game UEFA are but it may also hint any more shady aspects of the game. Such as their large Russian corporate sponsor not being all that happy if UEFA had imposed large penalties on CSKA.
Every time i read about an incident of racism occurring, especially in European football, there is always an uproar from fans (and rightly so), but around a week later when UEFA comes to report their findings (which almost always seem to be inconclusive despite glaring evidence) the most that happens is a slap on the wrist or a miniscule fine. I write this on a day when 6 Charlton supporter have been given custodial sentences for racially-aggravated chanting on a train after their FA Cup tie with Fulham in 2012. Now obviously the two events are not directly comparable but still go to show the disparity between the punishments being handed out by British courts and the proverbial slaps to the wrist that UEFA are wincing whilst handing out incase they upset someone important.
Another incident worth highlighting is the £80,000 fine and one match ban that Nicklas Bendtner received after flashing his underwear bearing the logo of Paddy Power, who were not an official sponsor of Euro 2012. This came not long after Porto were fined only £16,000 for racist chanting directed at Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli. This time around CSKA have not even been given a fine so have gotten off lightly even by UEFA’s brittle standards.
I will leave you with this thought. What actions would have been taken against CSKA and their fans had that section of the stadium, instead of singing racist chants, been singing the advertising slogans of companies not official sponsors of the Champions League?
Photo Courtesy of Valsts Kanceleja
About the Author
SYC Matt A football fan just like the rest of us. Battling with the usual ups and downs that come with supporting one of the less glamorous teams. Crusader for footballing justice.
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