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    Don't Fine Soccer Players and Teams for Protesting Racism

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    To: UEFA Chief Michael Platini

    To Michael Platini,

    In a June 2012 news conference, you stated that any players and teams that walk off a soccer pitch during a sanctioned match in response to racist taunting will be fined. We believe this is the wrong approach.

    We urge you to develop a new strategy to combat racism during...

    …

    To Michael Platini,

    In a June 2012 news conference, you stated that any players and teams that walk off a soccer pitch during a sanctioned match in response to racist taunting will be fined. We believe this is the wrong approach.

    We urge you to develop a new strategy to combat racism during European soccer matches that includes:

    1) Boosting security during matches to monitor fans who use racist chants
    2) Implementing a strategy that will eject and ban these fans from future matches
    3) Reverse the decision to fine players and teams for walking off or terminating a match to protest racism.

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    3,752 people signed the petition

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    On January 3, 2013, star AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng walked off the pitch during a friendly match against Pro Patria in Italy because of racist taunting. His teammates, along with every member of the Pro Patria team, joined him in walking off and terminating the match in the first half.

    Boateng's action, and those of AC Milan, are subject to a fine because of UEFA chief Michael Platini's stance that any team or player that terminates a match in protest of racism can be fined. This needs to change and a new strategy needs to be implemented that supports players and teams for their actions.

    Issues: , , , ,

    1. Update #2

      Posted by Nick Magel (Campaign Leader) on Jan 30

      Unfortunately it looks like racism in soccer is getting worse before it is getting better. On Tuesday, American soccer player Jozy Altidore was playing for his professional Dutch team AZ Alkmaar. After scoring a goal (nice!) he as the target of racist chants from the opponent's fans. The chants got so bad that the team was ushered off the field and the game delayed. You can read more about it HERE.

      The mere fact that the game was not canceled outright (I can't image Jozy or his teammates...

      …

      Unfortunately it looks like racism in soccer is getting worse before it is getting better. On Tuesday, American soccer player Jozy Altidore was playing for his professional Dutch team AZ Alkmaar. After scoring a goal (nice!) he as the target of racist chants from the opponent's fans. The chants got so bad that the team was ushered off the field and the game delayed. You can read more about it HERE.

      The mere fact that the game was not canceled outright (I can't image Jozy or his teammates felt safe) shows that soccer officials are not taking racism serious enough. Please up spread this petition and lets get racism out of soccer once and for all. 

      Altidore's teammates leave the field with him after racist taunts become too much

    2. Update #1

      Posted by Alex De La Cruz (Campaign Leader) on Jan 7

      Hey petition-signers,

      Thanks for taking the time to visit this page and to sign my petition. I've been following European football for years, including seeing a few matches in the historic Santiago Bernabeu, and I've witnessed some racism in the stands firsthand. I truly believe Kevin-Prince Boateng's decision to walk off the pitch last week was a brave and courageous move.

      Unfortunately, FIFA President Sepp Blatter has now taken a similar position to UEFA Chief Michael Platini and has...

      …

      Hey petition-signers,

      Thanks for taking the time to visit this page and to sign my petition. I've been following European football for years, including seeing a few matches in the historic Santiago Bernabeu, and I've witnessed some racism in the stands firsthand. I truly believe Kevin-Prince Boateng's decision to walk off the pitch last week was a brave and courageous move.

      Unfortunately, FIFA President Sepp Blatter has now taken a similar position to UEFA Chief Michael Platini and has specified that teams may be subject to forfeiting games if this happens again. I don't believe this is the right strategy. Help me get to 1000 signatures so we can show the governing bodies of European football that we stand with players who want to end racism now.

      Please send this to your network and friends through:
      1) Facebook
      2) Twitter
      3) Email
      4) Tumblr

      See Sepp's quote: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/jan/06/fifa-sepp-blatter-kevin-prince-boateng

      Thanks!
      Alex

    Recent Signatures

    1. 3,752
      Richard C Rogers Glendale, AZ
      3 days ago
    2. 3,751
      Bryan Hepp Phoenix, AZ
      3 days ago
    3. 3,750
      Ron Morgan United Kingdom
      7 days ago
    4. 3,749
      Marcus Thompson United Kingdom
      8 days ago
    5. 3,748
      Stefan Nicholas Vella Malta
      8 days ago
    6. 3,747
      Sean Maudsley United Kingdom
      11 days ago

    Reposted by 5 campaigns

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    Discuss the petition

    37 comments have been posted
    to participate in the conversation

    Racism must not be tolerated in sport or any walk of life.

    Emilio GamberroMaster

    I agree 100% Carmen and would extend that in2 saying that we should`nt allow ANY sort of prejudice,PERIOD! cheers!

    Racism! What an absolutely stupid concept. We all sweat the same, bleed the same and cry the same. We all want peace in our lives and a better world for our children. If the team owners can't understand such a simple concept, then we clearly have to boycott them until they learn to feel the love.

    Kathryn O'Shannahan

    "TEAM OWNER". Sounds like slavery to me.

    Fine the racists, not those who make a stand against racism.

    Kenny Williams

    Right on Kerry. Gonna use your quote.

    Great cause - perhaps it would add weight to change the name of the addressee to MICHEL Platini.
    Good luck!

    Do the fine the other way round Mr Platini!

    Peter Goin

    talent speakes for it"s self respect the talent and stop racism

    It's high time Blatter and Platini were removed from their positions of power and replaced with people of higher integrity and understanding. Well done AC Milan for your bravery and solidarity.

    "Modern futbol' is a mess and Micheal Platini/UEFA/FIFA are all composed of old men that have degenrated the beautiful game in2 a sick spectacle.When UEFA allowed the Ukraine to ICENIRATE live stray dogs...that's bullshit.UEFA are always full of shit cuz they care about one thing only, their wealth and privilege.

    Emilio GamberroMaster

    Dimitris Barsakis,Carles Palahí Jordi,Jerry Montello,Stefanny Renee Fringe,Paqui García

    Ok cool

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