UEFA probing Balotelli racism claims

Fans fined for trouble in Poland after Ireland-Croatia match.

WARSAW:

Europe's football governing body Uefa said that it was investigating claims Italy striker Mario Balotelli was racially abused during the country's Euro 2012 Group C match against European champions Spain.

"Following the provision of new independent information regarding the two cases of alleged racist chanting in the Spain-Italy and Russia-Czech Republic matches, UEFA is now conducting further investigations," it said in a statement.

"There are, however, no disciplinary proceedings open at this moment in time."

Italy and Spain drew that match – their opening game at the tournament – 1-1 after strikes from Antonio de Natalie and Cesc Fabregas.

Nasri vents spleen at L'Equipe journalist

France midfielder Samir Nasri revealed his angry reaction to scoring the equaliser in his side's come from behind 1-1 draw with England in their Euro 2012 Group D opener was aimed at a journalist from L'Equipe.

The Manchester City midfielder wheeled round after scoring his 39th minute equaliser and ran towards the touchline first putting his finger to his lips then withdrawing it screaming 'Shut your face'.

Speculation over who he was aiming his vitriol at quickly began to spread on Twitter - with potential candidates said to include the media and members of the England coaching staff.

However, Nasri put the speculation to rest afterwards.

Fans fined for Euro 2012 trouble

Ten Poland and Croatia football fans have been fined for violence and public order offences in the Euro 2012 host city of Poznan, while one Irish fan was fined for drink-driving, said a court official.

Two Croats who invaded the pitch during the match were each fined 2,000 zloty (€463) and were banned from the Municipal Stadium in Poznan for three years.

One of the pair ran on to the pitch and kissed Croatia coach Slaven Bilic while celebrating.

Two other Croat supporters were fined for involvement in a fight in the old city of Poznan and the fifth was told to pay 1,000 zloty for breaking a car window.

Five Poles who were involved in the same fight were fined between 800 and 2,400 zloty.

One of them also received a six-month suspended prison sentence. One Irish fan arrested for being over the legal alcohol limit for driving was fined 800 zloty. Some 30,000 Irish and 10,000 Croat fans were at the match that Croatia won 3-1.

Published In The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2012.