The Udinese-AC Milan and Coventry-Sheffield Wednesday matches were stopped for several minutes due to racist abuse at players, with Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) saying that “for the team whose fans used abuse, action should be taken automatic punishment”.

FIFA: Automatic refund for team whose fans used racist abuse

Infantino said that there is no place for racism or any form of discrimination in football or in society, News.ro reports.

“The events that took place on Saturday in Udine and Sheffield are absolutely disgusting and completely unacceptable. There is no place for racism or any form of discrimination – both in football and in society.

The players affected by Saturday’s events have my full support. We need ALL stakeholders to take action, starting with education in schools, so that future generations understand that this is not part of football or society.

In addition to the three-step process (match stopped, match restarted, match canceled), we need to introduce automatic repayments for teams whose fans use racist abuse and lead to a match being abandoned, as well as stadium bans around the world and criminal charges for racists

FIFA and football show full solidarity with victims of racism and any form of discrimination. Once and for all: No racism! No to any forms of discrimination!”, said the president of FIFA.

Mike Manyan and Casey Palmer, victims of racist abuse

AC Milan players left the pitch after France goalkeeper Mike Megnan said he heard imitation monkeys from some of the crowd at the Stadio Friuli.

“I didn’t want to play anymore, I told everyone when I left the field, but we are a family, I couldn’t leave my teammates. I was angry, not disappointed, because it wasn’t the first time I’d been through this. My teammates, the staff, everyone told me to stay strong and give the right answer on the field.

What happened was that when I picked up the ball in my first action of the match, I heard monkey screams and said nothing. Then it happened again and I told our coaches and then the fourth official.” Mike Menian for DAZN and Sky Sport.

Casey Palmer (Coventry) claimed to have heard similar abuse at Hillsborough and the match was stopped for several minutes while the match officials spoke to both coaches. The football player admitted that he is skeptical that something will change in this sport.

“Racism is a shame… it has no place in the world, especially in football. I’m black and proud, and I’m raising my three kids to be the same. To be honest, I feel like things will never change no matter how hard we try. A few fans imitating a monkey doesn’t define a fan base – I appreciate all the love and support I’ve received” – Casey Palmer.

Coventry owner Doug King and manager Mark Robins condemned the abuse and offered Palmer their full support, while Sheffield Wednesday said they were “shocked and saddened” by the alleged incident and that anyone found guilty would face the “severest possible sanctions from Sheffield”. . Wednesday and the law”.