[Cecil Terwilliger]

Euro 2012: UEFA charges Croatia for racist chants in Italy match

UEFA has charged Croatia's Football Federation for racist chants by the team's fans during their Group C match against Italy in Poznan on Thursday.

In a clear move against racism by European soccer's governing body, the Croatians are the first to face disciplinary porceedings for racist chants and displaying racist symbols. Officials have already sanctioned the Russian FA for their fans displaying "illicit banners" at the tournament but this is the first action against racism.

In a statement, the governing body said: "UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatian Football Federation for the setting-off and throwing of fireworks, and the improper conduct of supporters (racist chants, racist symbols) at the UEFA Euro 2012 Group C match against Italy in Poznan on Thursday."

UEFA is also investigating reports that a banana was thrown on to the pitch during the match which ended in a 1-1 draw.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...aly-match.html