UEFA have ordered Montenegro to play their next match behind closed doors as punishment for England players being racially abused.
European football’s governing body also dished out an £18,000 fine to the Montenegro FA and ordered them to display an “Equal Game” banner at their next match.
But UEFA’s attempts to get tough on racism were quickly put into perspective after Paris Saint Germain star Neymar got a THREE MATCH BAN for a foul mouthed outburst against match officials on social media.
Neymar’s blast came after Manchester United were given a last gasp penalty following a controversial VAR decision in their Champions League clash.
Neymar wrote on Instagram: “This is a disgrace, they put four people that know nothing about football in charge of looking at the replay for VAR. There is no penalty. How can it be a handball when it hits his back! Go f*** yourselves!”
Clearly, UEFA have deemed that worse than what happened in Montenegro which will again put them at risk of not taking racism seriously enough despite the public outcry which followed the England game.
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England star Danny Rose was subjected to monkey chants during the Montenegro game last month which then prompted calls for Montenegro to suffer big consequences.
Raheem Sterling said afterwards he did not hear the abuse until Rose had told him but insisted it was time that stadiums were closed down to send a clear message.
Speaking after the match, Sterling said: “It is 2019 and I think there should be a real punishment for this, not just for the few people being banned.
"It needs to be a collective thing. This stadium holds 15,000 and I think the punishment should be that as a nation your fans are chanting racist abuse so I think it should be the whole stadium can't watch it.”
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The English FA also complained to UEFA and the Montenegro FA after receiving witness statements with friends and families of players who heard abuse during the game.
The Football Association last night issued a statement which said: “The FA acknowledges UEFA’s decision to sanction the Football Association of Montenegro.
“We hope that their next home match being played behind closed doors sends out a message that racism has no place in football or in wider society.
“We will continue to work with the relevant authorities in football to ensure that all players are able to enjoy the game in a discrimination-free environment.”
