The English reaction to Uefa sanctions for racist incidents is now so predictable as to be almost comforting: general, immediate scorn, and another airing for Nicklas Bendtner’s boxer shorts. The deluge began this time within seconds of Uefa announcing its disciplinary committee’s verdict on the shocking abuse from a section of Bulgaria’s supporters, targeted at England’s black players during the European Championship qualifying match on 14 October.
The sanction – a full stadium closure for Bulgaria’s next international match, a second full closure suspended for two probationary years, and a €75,000 (£64,800) fine – is just tokenism, went the prevailing wisdom, and shows Uefa does not really care about racism. English football’s anti-racism campaign, Kick It Out, said it was “disheartened but not surprised”, called on Uefa to explain its decision-making – which it certainly should, much more clearly – then went further and called for the whole sanctions system to be overhauled.
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