On Monday, in a Euro 2020 qualifying match in Montenegro, England eviscerated their hosts with a 5-1 victory.
Unfortunately, the match was scarred by racist chanting from some Montenegrin fans. The particular focus fell on England’s Danny Rose. This racism breaches UEFA regulations.
Predictably, seeing as it is one of the most idiotic organizations on Earth, UEFA is now suggesting that Montenegro might simply receive a small fine or a partial stadium closure for its next game.
That cannot stand. Racism remains a major concern in many European soccer leagues, far more so than in U.S. sports, and was previously a big problem in English soccer. But England addressed the issue with stadium bans on identified racists, and by penalizing clubs that failed to address the issue. UEFA needs to inject the same urgency into its own efforts.
So, what should be done?
Seeing as Montenegro is even denying the evident truth that racist chants (monkey noises) were directed toward English players, it’s clear that robust action is warranted. A three-point deduction from Montenegro’s current qualifying group point score would be appropriate. That would put Montenegro at the bottom of that group. It would make an example of them without completely disqualifying the Balkan from reaching next year’s tournament.
But it’s clear a fine or even a stadium closure isn’t enough here. UEFA has drawn a line in the sand on racism. It’s time to enforce that line. If Montenegro fans have a problem with that, their solution is simple: Shut up next time around.
