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Page last updated at 13:59 GMT, Tuesday, 21 April 2009 14:59 UK

Uefa plans new racism crackdown

Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli
Inter Milan striker Balotelli was abused by sections of the Juventus crowd

Uefa president Michel Platini has revealed plans to stop play or abandon matches if fans make racist chants.

"We will call for play to be stopped for 10 minutes when these things happen, and for announcements to be made in the stadium," Platini said.

"If it continues, then the match will be stopped."

Platini's comments come after Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli was racially abused by Juventus fans in the sides' 1-1 league draw on Saturday.

The Italian League has ordered Juventus to play their next home league game - against Lecce on 3 May - behind closed doors.

"It is a difficult moment for the Italian soccer federation. It has taken its responsibility," added former Juventus player Platini.

Italian federation president Giancarlo Abete, who hopes to bring Euro 2016 to the country, told reporters that rules would be changed to allow games to be stopped because of racist chanting.

"The Italian system already gives the authorities the power to suspend the game in the case of banners that incite racial discrimination," he said.

"We'll reinforce this, naturally while staying attentive and finding a balance for the security requirements of the public."

Balotelli, 18, scored Inter's opener in the top-of-the-table clash and was subjected to chants from sections of the crowd in Turin.

The Italy under-21 international was born in Palermo but is of Ghanaian descent.



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see also
Juve punished over racial abuse
20 Apr 09 |  Europe
Atletico appeal rejected by CAS
20 Nov 08 |  Europe


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