Ukraine receives stadium ban for fans' racism

Kiev, September 28 (IANS) The Ukrainian national football team will play their next home World Cup qualifier behind closed doors following their fans’ racist chants and inappropriate behaviour in the match against San Marino on September 6.

“FIFA was informed by FARE (Football Against Racism Europe) that several racist and discriminatory incidents were apparently perpetrated by local supporters during the match, in particular by displaying neo-Nazi banners and by making ‘monkey noises and gestures’ as well as Nazi salutes,” said a FIFA statement, reports Xinhua.

FIFA also said there were “several incidents involving pyrotechnical devices” that violated safety regulations.

Ukraine were fined 45,000 Swiss francs (some $50,000) and will now play in an empty stadium in their next World Cup qualifier at home against Poland Oct 11.

Ukraine smashed San Marino 9-0 in the World Cup qualifier and are ranked second in Group H, tied with Montenegro and one point behind leaders England.