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UEFA Launches Racism Hearings Against Russia, Spanish Football


Russian supporters celebrate during the Euro 2012 match between Russia and Czech Republic in Wroclaw on June 8.
Russian supporters celebrate during the Euro 2012 match between Russia and Czech Republic in Wroclaw on June 8.
Europe's football governing body, UEFA, says it has opened disciplinary proceedings against Russia and Spain for racist behavior by their fans during the Euro 2012 Championships.

UEFA said in a statement that the cases would both be dealt with on June 28.

The case against Russia stems from its opening Group A game against the Czech Republic on June 8 in Wroclaw, where a black player on the Czech team was taunted with racial slurs.

Spanish fans are accused of "improper conduct" at Spain's Group C opener against Italy on June 10 in Gdansk.

Russia's football federation already has been fined for unruly behavior by its fans during the team's final Euro 2012 game against Greece, as well as its first two games in the tournament.

Based on reporting by dpa and AFP

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

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