来自www.football.co.uk的报道
UEFA allay Rio's fears
Tuesday Mar 14 2006 15:50
UEFA have insisted that progress is being made to eradicate racism in football across Europe, despite Rio Ferdinand's concerns.
The Manchester United and England star has backed UEFA plans to give referees increased powers at matches affected by racist chanting, including the option to take players off the field and even abandon games.
However, Ferdinand is concerned that European football's governing body may only be paying "lip-service" to the matter.
He said: "For too long now, European football authorities have not taken the problem of racism in the game seriously and refuse to acknowledge how widespread the problem is.
"I talk to a lot of European players and know there are big problems in Spain, in Italy and in eastern Europe.
"Just look at what happened to Samuel Eto'o. He was racially abused against Zaragoza and what happened? Zaragoza were fined a paltry 9000 Euros by the Spanish Football Federation.
"If he had reacted to the fans that were abusing him by gesturing to them, he would have been fined a couple of weeks' wages at the very least - but, yet again, nothing happens to the fans that abused him.
"It is time for UEFA to stop paying lip-service to the problem. The fines handed out after the England-Spain game were a joke. UEFA should look at imposing huge fines or deducting points within tournaments or competitions."
However, UEFA spokesman William Gaillard insists: "If you look at the facts, football is moving forward faster on this issue than society.
"I have a lot of sympathy for Rio and it is truly horrible that any individual should be singled out just for being the person they are.
"But I ask him to look back 25 years, when no-one did anything about racism, to the present day, when punitive measure are taken across Europe to try to stamp out, not just racism, but sectarianism and homophobia as well.
"I hope Rio Ferdinand plays for a long time but I truly believe, before his career is over, we will have dealt with this problem."
