Aigner urges unity to fight racism

UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner has urged the European football community to unite against racism.

Three investigations
Mr Aigner made the call after UEFA announced that it is to investigate three alleged cases of racism at matches in its club competitions this month.

Alleged racist abuse
Two cases involving alleged racist abuse concern the UEFA Champions League match between Valencia CF and Liverpool FC on 17 September, and the UEFA Cup game between HNK Hadjuk Split and Fulham FC on 19 September. Both cases are under investigation and are likely to be referred to UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body when it meets on 10 October.

Wednesday incidents
On Thursday, European football's governing body also confirmed that it would be examining allegations of racism at Wednesday's UEFA Champions League match between PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal FC.

No place for racism
"There is no place for racism in football," said Mr Aigner. "Recent allegations remind us that everyone involved in football must work together to stamp out racist behaviour wherever it may occur."

Wider campaign
Mr Aigner called for a wider campaign to raise awareness and emphasise football's opposition to racism. He spoke of UEFA's current efforts to promote the fight against racism and intolerance in partnership with the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network, a pan-European organisation which unites fans, clubs and football bodies from throughout the continent. "We are providing significant financial support to FARE," said the UEFA CEO.

Additional penalties
"We have revised our rulebook to make additional penalties available to our disciplinary body," said Mr Aigner. "We will also punish racist abuse and behaviour wherever it is proven."

Firm action
The UEFA Chief Executive called upon everyone involved in the game to take firm action. "UEFA cannot tackle this problem in Europe without the full co-operation of our national associations, the clubs, fans, players, the police and those responsible for stewarding," he said. "Everyone has a responsibility to act and do all they can to help kick racism out of football."

Clear opposition
"The policy of the football family to oppose racism is clear and it must guide us in our actions on and off the field," added Mr Aigner.