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Russian, Spanish Soccer Associations Fined Over Euro 2012 Racism


One of the games at issue involved Italy and its black striker, Mario Balotelli.
One of the games at issue involved Italy and its black striker, Mario Balotelli.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has fined the Russian association 30,000 euros ($38,000) and the Spanish association 20,000 euros ($25,000) over racist incidents involving Russian and Spanish fans at the Euro 2012 championship held in Poland and Ukraine.

Both associations can appeal the rulings.

Spain was fined after fans sang racist chants and engaged in other objectionable behavior during a Spanish match against Italy in Gdansk on June 10. The game featured Italy's black striker, Mario Balotelli.

Russia was fined for similar racist behavior by fans during Russia’s match against the Czech Republic in Wroclaw on June 8. The Czech team included black player Theodor Gebre Selassie.

Croatia’s soccer association was earlier fined 80,000 euros ($101,000) by UEFA over racist abuse directed at Balotelli during the Croatia-Italy match.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and dpa

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

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