UEFA increase racism punishments

PLAYERS found guilty of racism in UEFA matches next season will face possible five-match bans, European football’s governing body has confirmed.

Under UEFA’s disciplinary regulations, which have been updated for the 2006-07 season, any player found to have insulted an opponent on the basis of colour, race, religion or ethnicity risks the lengthy suspension.

Clubs whose supporters are found guilty of similar offences will be hit with fines of at least £13,000, with UEFA having the option of closing stadia, deducting points or, in the most extreme cases, imposing disqualification.