UEFA appeals against Eindhoven fine for racism
Adrian Warner
European governing body UEFA has launched an appeal against a fine imposed on PSV Eindhoven for the racist behaviour of their fans in a Champions League clash with Arsenal because it thinks the sanction is not tough enough.
UEFA's disciplinary body fined the Dutch club 30,000 Swiss francs ($20,050) last week after the English champions' French striker Thierry Henry had missiles thrown at him during the game and was subjected to racist abuse. Arsenal won 4-0.
UEFA has the right to question the decision of the independent body.
"If there is reason to believe that the verdict is not wholly appropriate or that further evidence needs examination, then I can intervene," UEFA chief executive Gerhard Aigner said.
The disciplinary body has the power to increase the fine or make Eindhoven play matches behind closed doors.
UEFA is clearly concerned about racism in football grounds after several incidents in European club matches and last week issued a 10-point plan to help sides tackle the problem.
Saturday's Euro 2004 qualifier between Slovakia and England was also marred by racial abuse from the stands directed at two black English players, Emile Heskey and Ashley Cole.
UEFA officials would not go into details of its complaints about the fine because the body has begun a legal process with the appeal.
UEFA is seeking written evidence from Arsenal about the incidents.
"I will now appoint a disciplinary inspector to prepare for the appeal hearing and we would ask all of the parties concerned to provide written evidence -- statements to the media are not enough," Aigner said.
"We need hard evidence to move forward, not just public declarations."
NO COMPLAINTS
UEFA said appeals body hearings were likely to take place on October 24-25 at their headquarters in Switzerland.
Yugoslavia's Sartid Smederevo have also lodged an appeal against a fine of 25,000 Swiss francs for racist taunts from their fans during their 1-0 UEFA Cup defeat by English first division side Ipswich Town.
UEFA had to look at video evidence of the Eindhoven game because no official complaints were made by Arsenal about racist behaviour by the Dutch fans. But Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger described the people responsible as "crazy" to the media.
Henry was the main target for the abuse. He twice appeared to be pelted with missiles as he prepared to take corners, with Slovak referee Lubos Michel briefly halting play to pick up a number of items including plastic water bottles from the pitch.
"Whatever the outcome of the appeal process in this particular case, UEFA is determined to do all that we can do to combat racism in European football," Aigner said.
