FIFA is investigating reports of homophobic, and racist, chants and banners at the Football World Cup. Fans of hosts Brazil, and of Mexico, have been heard chanting an anti-gay slur in the stands, while Russian and Croatian fans have allegedly unfurled neo-Nazi banners. FIFA says it’s looking into ‘improper conduct’ by fans from the four nations. The anti-discrimination Fare network has also made official complaints. Executive director Piara Powar has told the Telegraph urgent action is needed. “The levels of homophobic abuse at some matches is also totally unacceptable. There is some rapid education required before it begins to run out of control. “FIFA has some strong regulations in place and we hope they use them. Zero tolerance is the approach set out. It is what is required here.” Making teams play games “behind closed doors”, fines, point deductions, or expulsion from the competition are among the varied disciplinary options FIFA has.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 20th June 2014 - 11:56am