Share

Feyenoord faces racism case

Nyon - UEFA has charged Feyenoord with racist behavior by fans who threw an inflatable banana on the pitch during a tense Europa League last-32 match against Roma.

UEFA also charged Roma winger Adem Ljajic on Monday with "provoking spectators" when celebrating the opening goal in Roma's decisive 2-1 win last Thursday.

Dozens of fans were detained in the Netherlands ahead of the return game following disorder in Rome at the first-leg match.

Last Thursday, play was twice briefly stopped by fan incidents including in the first half when the banana was thrown.

Feyenoord coach Fred Rutten suggested after the match there was no racist intent.

"There is such a fuss made about it. I don't see it that way," Rutten said. "We have different nationalities in our team. It's nonsense. We make too much of it."

UEFA said Feyenoord faces sanctions on March 19 for fans' racist behavior, plus throwing fireworks and objects and the club's "insufficient organization" in the stadium.

Feyenoord was fined $16 800 by UEFA earlier this season for similar incidents.

UEFA's disciplinary panel accelerated the cases against Serbia international Ljajic and Roma, which was late for a kick off.

The panel will hear those cases Wednesday and should apply sanctions before Roma plays Fiorentina in the last-16 round later this month.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE