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Last Updated: Thursday, 25 November, 2004, 13:52 GMT
Uefa to probe Real Madrid racism
Real Madrid fans' behaviour is in the spotlight
Real Madrid are being investigated by Uefa over racist chanting at the Bernabeu Stadium during a Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen.

Fifa is also investigating racist abuse against England's black players in a friendly with Spain at the stadium.

"Fans were seen making Nazi salutes while racist chanting was directed at Leverkusen's black players," said Uefa.

The referee did not include the incidents in his report but Uefa said it would consider television evidence.

Sections of the Real support are alleged to have made monkey chants towards Leverkusen's Brazilian defender Roque Junior during the 1-1 draw.

Uefa have a golden opportunity to do something strong
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson

Real Madrid issued a statement on Wednesday condemning racist behaviour but said they were unaware any incidents had taken place in the match.

The club said Uefa president Lennart Johansson, who watched the game alongside Real president Florentino Perez, had observed no problems.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson urged Europe's governing body to make a stand.

"Uefa have a golden opportunity to do something strong. It's a good example and I think something will happen," he said.

William Gaillard, a spokesman for Uefa, said there were no set rules regarding punishment for incidents such as those seen at the Bernabeu.

"It could range from making the team play away or behind closed doors, to even the exclusion of the team," he said.

Gaillard pointed out that Roma had to play away from their stadium after violent incidents, while Slovakia were made to play one game at a different location after racist chanting against England a couple of years ago.

But he stressed: "There is no standard punishment for a particular type of offence. It depends on what is reported and previous cases."





SEE ALSO
Race to beat the bigots
19 Nov 04 |  Internationals
Is Spanish football racist?
18 Nov 04 |  Football
Spanish press round on racists
19 Nov 04 |  Internationals
Spanish FA sorry for racism
19 Nov 04 |  Internationals



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