Uefa investigate Sergio Busquets over racism claims

Pa
Thursday 12 May 2011 16:21 BST
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UEFA have opened a disciplinary case against Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets over alleged racist abuse in the Champions League semi-final first leg against Real Madrid.

The capital club published a video on their website ahead of the second leg, with a subtitle alleging Busquets had made a racist remark towards wing-back Marcelo during Barca's 2-0 win at the Bernabeu.

The case will be dealt with on Sunday, with the European governing body's decision communicated to the clubs on Monday.

A UEFA statement read: "UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets, who is alleged to have violated article 11 of the UEFA disciplinary regulations by directing racist abuse towards a Real Madrid player in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg between the clubs on April 27.

"The proceedings have been launched on the basis of evidence provided by Real Madrid (video and statement of club and player).

"The UEFA control and disciplinary body will deal with the case on Sunday, May 15 and the decision will be communicated to the club on Monday, May 16."

The footage was posted the day before the second leg, which finished in a 1-1 draw to send Pep Guardiola's side through 3-1 on aggregate.

It showed Busquets appearing to direct a comment at Marcelo while covering his mouth with his hands, with Madrid alleging he said "mono, mono" - Spanish for "monkey, monkey".

The incident was one of several in a heated two-legged tie between the two Primera Division giants,

Both clubs lodged complaints to UEFA after an ill-tempered first leg. Madrid were unhappy with the behaviour of the opposing players and the red card shown to Pepe, while Barca protested over Madrid coach Jose Mourinho's post-match comments alluding to favours from UEFA in big Champions League games and questioning the Catalan club's relationship with the European governing body.

The complaints were dismissed by UEFA, with Mourinho later handed a five-game European ban for his outbursts.

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