Slovakia facing UEFA sanctions

Slovakia are almost certain to face disciplinary action from UEFA after referee Domenico Messina made reference to racist abuse from the crowd in his match report of England’s game in Slovakia last night.

UEFA have launched an immediate investigation into the taunts directed at Emile Heskey and Ashley Cole throughout England’s 2-1 victory in their opening Euro 2004 qualifier.

The report from the Italian official makes direct mention of the chanting, which included a torrent of monkey noises every time the two players were involved in the action, and a UEFA official is expected to provide further evidence when he submits his match summary later today.

UEFA communications director Mike Lee said that while the investigation was still in its early stages, it appeared likely the Slovakian Football Association would find themselves in the dock.

“There will be an investigation and the first part of the process is to look at the reports from the UEFA delegate at the game and the referee,” Lee told PA Sport.

“The referee’s report has already been received and he does make reference to the abuse of Emile Heskey and Ashley Cole.

“We should receive the delegates report later today and on the back of that we will decide whether further investigation will be needed.

“But I think it is clear enough that it (racist abuse) occurred and we believe the delegates report will also have reference to it.”

Lee condemned the “appalling” treatment of Heskey and Cole but refused to speculate on what action could be taken against Slovakia until the investigation was complete.

“UEFA utterly deplores any form of racism. We are appalled at what appears to have occurred against England last night,” said Lee.

“The purpose of the investigation is to establish facts, but the evidence so far is likely to lead to a referral to the disciplinary body.”

Sanctions open to UEFA range from fining the Slovakian FA to forcing the national team to play their next home game behind closed doors.

Lee also revealed the investigation into racist abuse would be combined with one into the crowd disturbances which surfaced during the game with England fans clashing with police.

“The second part of the inquiry will be to exactly ascertain what went on in terms of policing and the incidents between police and English supporters,” added Lee.

“There were some ugly scenes but we need to look at exactly what went on and we cannot pre-judge.

“This will involve speaking to the Football Association, the Slovakian FA, the local police and England fans.”

However, Lee said no supporters’ group would be contacted directly, with UEFA relying on the English FA to pass on comments from fans.

“They will have their own links with the fans organisations and that will be reflected, hopefully, in what they (the FA) tell us.

“We have already spoken to the FA this morning and we will be having further discussions over the next few days.”