UEFA to hear racism charges against fans

A UEFA disciplinary commission will tomorrow begin a hearing into charges against two countries whose fans abused black British…

A UEFA disciplinary commission will tomorrow begin a hearing into charges against two countries whose fans abused black British players.

The Macedonia football association face proceedings resulting from racist abuse of English players during the Euro 2004 qualifier in Skopje on September 6th when Emile Heskey in particular was targeted.

UEFA's disciplinary panel will also decide on a punishment for the Serbia and Montenegro FA after similar racism was experienced by Nathan Blake during Wales's match in Belgrade on August 20.

A spokesman for European football's governing body said: "The hearing will begin tomorrow afternoon, and a decision is expected on Thursday morning." Neither association has been in trouble over racist behaviour before, so both are likely to escape with a fine.