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 Thursday, 26 September, 2002, 09:03 GMT 10:03 UK
Uefa launches racism probe
Thierry Henry celebrates scoring for Arsenal
Henry (left) scored twice for Arsenal in Eindhoven
Uefa has launched an investigation into allegations of racial abuse during Arsenal's Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven.

Gunners' striker Thierry Henry was the main target of abuse from Dutch supporters during Arsenal's 4-0 win.

PSV were handed a one-match ban from playing at home in 2001 following crowd trouble during their Uefa Cup quarter-final match against Kaiserslautern.

Uefa spokesman Mike Lee told BBC Radio Five Live: "I spoke to the venue director and he said there was evidence of racist abuse which we obviously totally condemn.

"Once we've completed the investigation, if the evidence is there, and we believe it is then this will be referred to our disciplinary body.

"It is Eindhoven's second offence so we have to look at it very seriously.

"Clubs tend to appeal so we have to be considered in the way we go about it and it's not something that Uefa can solve on its own.


I have two ears but you did not see me shout back
Thierry Henry

"Everyone in football has a responsibility here. The national football associations, the clubs, the fans, the police.

"A combination of education and disciplined reaction is what we do to tackle it but, sadly, it keeps arising and it's something football should be ashamed of."

Match referee Lubos Michel was seen collecting objects from the pitch that had apparently been aimed at Henry.

The case will be put to Uefa's disciplinary committee which next meets on 10 October.

The committee will also hear allegations of racist abuse directed at Liverpool players during their Champions League match in Valencia, and in Fulham's Uefa Cup match against Hajduk Split.

Liverpool's Emile Heskey was subjected to abuse and Fulham duo Rufus Brevett and Steve Marlet experienced similar problems in Split.

An FA spokesman told TheFA.com: "Clearly, if there is a case to answer, this needs to be looked at.

"There is no place for racism in football."

Henry, who scored twice in his side's win, said: "They were throwing coins, lighters and other stuff.


It's up to Uefa to react and we have full confidence in them to do that
Arsene Wenger
Arsenal manager

"I don't know if you heard what they were saying or saw what they were doing.

"I don't want to talk about it because I just want to talk about football - but it's a bit of a shame. I have two ears but you did not see me shout back."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feels Uefa must take action.

"It was terrible and should be banned. I think Uefa will react," said the Gunners boss.

"We did not feel under threat but in every crowd there are always some crazy people."

 WATCH/LISTEN
 ON THIS STORY
BBC Sport's Nishat Adat
"Uefa say they are taking the incident seriously"
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
"You always have some crazy people in the crowd"
PSV spokesman Pedro Salazar
"We were surprised about the complaint"
 VOTE RESULTS
Will Arsenal win the Champions League?

Yes
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No
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23908 Votes Cast

Results are indicative and may not reflect public opinion
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