BACK TO ARCHIVE INDEX © All written site content is copyright ComeOnBoro.com 2004-2007, unless otherwise stated, and is not to be used without prior permission.	CROATIA v ENGLAND - DFB TO INVESTIGATE RACISM CLAIMS The German Football Association will investigate allegations by their English counterparts of racial abuse made by several Germany Under-21 players in last night's European Championships qualifier. England defeated Germany to reach the finals next year but their 2-0 win in the second leg at the BayArena was overshadowed by accusations of racism towards the visitors. Micah Richards and Anton Ferdinand both alleged they were called "monkeys" by opposition players, and the Football Association filed a complaint to the UEFA delegate at the match. UEFA could fine Germany if they are found guilty, or dock points from future qualification campaigns or ban them from future tournaments. "We take the claims as seriously as we would any such incident and are checking what truth there is in them," explained DFB press officer Harald Stenger. On the DFB's website, it is reported that Germany Under-21 captain Stefan Kiessling denied hearing any racial comments on the field. He told the DFB delegate Wolfgang Holzhauser last night that he never noticed anything of a racial nature taking place during a fiercely competitive game which was marked by two red cards. Meanwhile, all of the Germany squad were being called personally by coach Dieter Eilts today and were asked if they knew of any racial behaviour. Anti-racism campaigners have called for the Germany Under-21 team to be banned from future tournaments if found guilty. Piara Powar, director of the Kick It Out campaign, told PA Sport: "What we have to do is press for the hardest measures and see how UEFA take that, we can't call for anything less and that is why we would ask for a ban. "If young players are doing this in games then what chance have we got to get a positive message across? The restraint from England players has to be rewarded by the authorities taking the appropriate measures. "Germany hosted the World Cup in the summer and they brought the world to their doorstep, so having young players abused when playing in the country would be unacceptable." England completed a 3-0 aggregate win courtesy of Theo Walcott's double in Leverkusen but their players seemed affected by the what was said on the pitch. Ferdinand said after the game: "It's in the hands of the FA, I don't want to say anything about it at this stage." UEFA are waiting for the report from the match delegate and the referee before deciding on whether to take action. "We are waiting for the reports to see what was said, and this could be received by the end of the week," a UEFA spokesman confirmed. "The punishment for racial abuse varies depending on the case." By Bettingzone.co.uk Used with permission. SEND THIS TO A FRIEND CROATIA v ENGLAND MATCH PROGRAMME INDEX
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