UEFA order referees to stop matches for racist chants

Referees will stop all matches in which soccer fans shout racist abuse at players, starting with Saturday's European Under-21 Championship final, a senior UEFA official has confirmed.

The announcement follows the announcement of a UEFA investigation into reports of racist chanting and a fight in the players' tunnel after England's 2-0 win over Serbia in the European Under-21 Championship on Sunday.

Serbia face the host nation the Netherlands in Saturday's final.
"We have decided to step up our actions and take a zero tolerance approach with any racist chants from fans," William Gaillard, special advisor to UEFA president Michel Platini told Reuters in a telephone call.

"We have spoken to the referees and we have the support of the national associations, the clubs and the players' unions for this measure."

Gaillard was speaking after the opening meeting of the governing body's executive committee in the Netherlands.

REUTERS