Inter Milan face fresh ramifications after racist chants marred their Europa League match against Tottenham last week.
Sections of the crowd at the San Siro were seen with inflatable bananas and monkey chants were heard. Tottenham have made an official complaint to UEFA and an investigation will be made.
After past action taken against racism appears to have been ineffective, UEFA should reassess their punishment after supporters continue to hurl racist abuse at opposition players.
Fans, most recently in Italy and Russia, racially abuse opposition and run the risk of landing their clubs with fines, despite previous action, and more punishments should be taken as an example to fans in Europe and world football.
Inter Milan fans have already earned their club a fine this season after racially abusing former players in the derby against Milan recently and Serie A rivals Lazio have also been fined for their fans’ racial abuse this term.
But what punishment will Inter get? Another Fine? This doesn’t affect the fans- they should punish the fans and not just the club.
UEFA should make a stance such as banning Inter fans from attending a number of matches and if they continue the racist chants, increase the match ban until they stop doing so.
Another punishment could be to ban their team from Europe. Although this would be unfair on players and the vast majority of supporters, it would punish the fans who continually get it wrong.
Firm punishments will lead an example throughout football and make a stop to racism a real possibility, after fines continue to be proved unsuccessful.
Source: DSG
