Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Racism in Bulgaria? No...... really?

Ashley Young (above) and Chris Smalling, Ashley Cole and Theo Walcott all subjected to racist "monkey" chants
From the BBC:

Uefa has begun disciplinary proceedings against the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) regarding events at last month's game between Bulgaria and England. The matter relates to alleged racist chanting and flares thrown by fans.

European football's governing body expects to take a decision on any potential punishment by 15 October. "A hearing will be held on 13 October and, after completion of the paperwork, a verdict will be announced," a Uefa spokeswoman told BBC Sport.

Marcos Marquinhos
Fines were the standard punishment from Uefa regarding racism until 2006, when they increased their measures to include other sanctions.  Potential punishments now include bans, stadium closure, points deduction and disqualification.

England's Ashley Young was alleged to be a victim of racist abuse during the game in Sofia. The Football Association (FA) reported the behaviour of a section of home supporters to the Uefa match delegate after the visitors' 3-0 win.

The Uefa spokeswoman said the BFU is "facing a charge relating to discriminatory chanting" and added: "They also face a charge relating to the fireworks." Between now and 13 October, communication will take place between the relevant parties before Uefa decides on what action, if any, to take.
The case, which will be heard by its control and disciplinary body, could lead to a fine for Bulgaria or additional sanctions.

The fans racist chants were not confined to England players. Bulgarian midfielder Marcos Marquinhos, who plays in Cyprus, was also the victim of abuse by the home fans. Marquinhos was actually born in Brazil but changed citizenship recently. This is somewhat ironic as Brazil's president, Dilma Rousseff, who is currently on a state visit is being given a rapturous welcome in Bulgaria. Must look up the Bulgarian word for hypocrisy. Maybe GMantis can tell me...... Must be very confusing for the Bulgarian football fans though? But then again they are easily confused.

Regretably, it must also be said that English fans also contributed to the night's festivities by shouting many anti East-European chants.

No welcome in Bulgaria if you are black, homosexual or Roma then?

2 comments:

  1. And also a lot of questions, every day, if you are tall, with light hair and eyes, meaning different from the mainstream. Is it just curiosity?

    ReplyDelete
  2. If I knew what you were talking about, I could comment. But thanks anyway.

    ReplyDelete