Champions League, Liverpool
Pain for Liverpool, but Uefa were right to punish Atlético
Liverpool fans will suffer, but Uefa were completely right to stamp down on the aysmal behaviour of some of Atlético Madrid's supporters.
The reaction of Liverpool supporters has unfortunately gained more coverage than the reasons why Atlético Madrid were handed a stern punishment by Uefa in the first place. Inevitably it will cause mass inconvenience for the travelling thousands who had already made travel arrangements, but Europe’s governing body was completely correct in stamping down on the abysmal behaviour of both Atlético supporters and staff.
There can be no justification for racist chanting and attacking Marseille’s team bus, nor for heeding Liverpool’s complaints and allowing the game to be moved back to the Vicente Calderón Stadium. Uefa cannot be influenced by the pain of a few when their actions are helping combat a problem which affects millions and continues to sit at the back of the beautiful game’s priorities, raring its ugly head from time to time yet never fully acknowledged or dealt with by the relevant bodies.
Uefa’s ample punishment is in stark contrast to previous precedents and Fifa’s shocking lack of condemnation towards Croatia’s racist fans who attacked Emile Heskey in last month’s World Cup qualifier against England. Then, a £15,000 fine was handed out - roundly criticised, and in particular by England players - and Fifa were forced to defend themselves. Uefa, instead, decided to implement fully their policy on racism and set a precedent that should begin to help kick racism from football, presuming the organisation maintains its strong stance.
Atlético face a two-match home ban, with the prospect of it being extended, and received a fine of 150,000 euros - a record - while coach Javier Aguirre was punished for abusing a Marseille player with a two-game suspension from the touchline. Uefa stated this was part of the organisation “acting with renewed strength” against racism.
And they took a stab at their more illustrious counterparts, Fifa, for their failure to take an opportunity to demonstrate they would not tolerate racism, “We have no direct influence on Fifa decisions at all. But if we had been in charge, the punishment [of Croatia supporters] would have been a lot heavier.”
It concludes a bad week for Spanish football, with the English FA refusing to sanction a friendly with Spain in Madrid due to the racism Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips suffered on their last visit to the capital in 2004.
The Liverpool fans might still be relieved if Uefa decide to tweak Atlético’s suspension so that they play at the Vicente Calderón - but without home supporters. But implementing this punishment so that only Liverpool supporters can enter the stadium will be hugely difficult, and though Atlético are likely to appeal, Uefa must not back down even if it does ensure some short-term hardships for the travelling supporters.
Tags: Atletico Madrid, Champions League, England, Fifa, Javier Aguirre, Liverpool, Uefa
Related Articles
Welcome to Footballing World
Recent Posts
In Focus
Jonathon Craigie believes Rafa Benítez has finally found the key to securing Premier League glory for Liverpool.
Featured Posts
Fabio Capello's reign began slowly but England have since shone in World Cup qualifying, a return to the days of Sven-Goran Eriksson when progressing into major tournaments was always a facile task.
Jonathan O'Shea looks at the English quartet's chances of progressing into the knockout stages of the Uefa Cup.
How important is Javier Mascherano for Liverpool? Chakrit Narula believes the all-action Argentine could be a future captain following his terrific impact since arriving at Anfield.
Discussion
No comments for “Pain for Liverpool, but Uefa were right to punish Atlético”
Post a comment