Ukraine handed stadium ban for racism
Ukraine will have to play their next home World Cup qualifier behind closed doors after fans were accused of making monkey chants and performing Nazi salutes.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee also banned the Lviv stadium from hosting all qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup after the incidents in the match against San Marino on September 6.
“FIFA was informed by FARE (Football Against Racism Europe) that several racist and discriminatory incidents were apparently perpetrated by local supporters during the match, in particular by displaying neo-Nazi banners and by making “monkey noises and gestures” as well as Nazi salutes,” said a FIFA statement.
“The committee agreed that the offensive, denigratory and discriminatory actions of a group of Ukrainian supporters were shameful and a clear breach of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC).
In addition, the pyrotechnical devices (which were thrown onto the pitch), which can pose considerable threats to personal safety, are not to be tolerated.”
Ukraine’s next World Cup qualifier at home to Poland on October 11 will be played behind closed doors.
Ukraine and Montenegro are a point behind leaders England in qualifying Group H for next year’s finals in Brazil.
The Ukraine football federation were also fined €36,737.
From AFP