FA appeals Serbia bans against Steven Caulker and Tom Ince
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Football Association has confirmed its appeals against the Uefa suspensions handed out to Steven Caulker and Tom Ince after England Under-21's heated European Championship play-off second leg against Serbia.
Caulker, the Tottenham Hotspur defender, was handed a two-match suspension and Ince, the Blackpool winger, a one-match ban following clashes between players and coaching staff at the end of the match in Krusevac in October.
The FA general secretary, Alex Horne, claimed "the players acted correctly in the face of provocation".
In Italy, fourth-tier side Pro Patria have been ordered to play one home match behind closed doors after racist chants prompted Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng to walk off the pitch during a friendly last week.
Meanwhile, Fifa has ruled that Bulgaria and Hungary must both play their next home World Cup qualifiers behind closed doors after racism by fans. In an unusually strongly worded statement from world football's governing body as it battles a slew of racism issues, Fifa described the behaviour of Hungary fans at the August friendly against Israel in Budapest as "abhorrent".
Hungary were also ordered to pay a fine of £27,000. Bulgaria, who must pay a £24,000 fine, were sanctioned for the behaviour of their fans at the World Cup qualifier against Denmark in October.
Denmark complained that Bulgaria fans made racist chants when substitute Patrick Mtiliga came on during the 1-1 draw in Sofia.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments