The Hungarian Football Federation was sanctioned with three matches behind closed doors (one of which was suspended) and a fine of 100,000 euros for the “
discriminatory behavior of its supporters
” during the three matches played by its selection for the Euro, UEFA announced on Friday. Racist cries against black players of the France team had in particular been launched from the platform where the Hungarian ultras were in Budapest, on June 19. UEFA also investigated homophobic banners or placards held up by supporters during the other first round matches against Portugal and Germany.
On June 20, the governing body of European football appointed “
an ethics and disciplinary inspector
” to investigate “
potential discriminatory incidents in the Puskas Arena in Budapest
”. The investigation was widened after alleged homophobic chants and placards during Germany-Hungary played on June 23 in Munich. On Friday, the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body ordered the Hungarian Federation to “
play behind closed doors its next three UEFA competition matches at home, the third with a two-year probationary period from from the date of the decision
», Announced the body based in Nyon.
This sanction will not apply to qualifying matches for the 2022 World Cup, organized by Fifa and not UEFA, it is specified.
Promotion of the “
Equal Game
”
campaign
In addition to a fine of 100,000 euros, the Hungarian Federation will have to "
display a banner with the expression
" #EqualGame "
, with the UEFA logo on it
", during the meetings targeted by the closed session, the statement said. The “
Equal Game
”
campaign
has been in place for four seasons to fight against all kinds of discrimination. During the first round of the Euro, UEFA was criticized for refusing the authorities in Munich (Germany) to light up the Allianz-Arena in rainbow colors, symbols of the LGBT community and tolerance, to protest against a Hungarian law deemed homophobic during the Germany-Hungary match. UEFA had invoked an obligation of political neutrality while ensuring its "
firm commitment
”against homophobia.
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