UEFA investigating Montenegro over racial slurs – One country one sound

The wound that continues to bleed, not only in football but in all sports worldwide. Racial abuse aimed at English players during their meeting with Montenegro has opened them up for investigation from UEFA.

England’s 5-1 drubbing over Montenegro was overshadowed by racial slander from the home crowd. The medieval side went up first in the Euro 2020 qualifying clash and the hype of their advantage clouded the home support inside the grounds with an ill demeanour.

Soon after in the same half Michael Keane cancelled out their false beliefs with his first senior international goal for England. This humbled the fans before they continued to spoil the game with their feudal behaviour. Nonetheless, the English outfit was not required to work hard in order to serve the Montenegrins a dish best served cold as karma came knocking another four more times… Knock, knock, knock, knock!

A brace by midfielder Ross Barkley, a single slot in by the Three Lions skipper Harry Kane, while in-form Raheem Sterling capped off celebrations in an appropriate manner when he scored the Lions fifth and final goal of the game. He silenced the abuse he and his teammates received while playing and rightfully, England returned home with the three points.

UEFA investigation on the racial abuse

All of the English squad were quick to talk out after the game about the crowd and the taunts received on the pitch. It was hard not to witness if you were watching it. Some of the insults being uttered throughout the stadium could be heard from the television at home.

Thank God for HD viewing!

What makes matters worse is that the manager of Montenegro, Ljubiša Tumbaković could not admit to what was going on inside the stadium. England’s Gareth Southgate acted with haste to voice his concerns over the racial comments. Danny Rose was one of the other players targeted in this calamity.

Ljubiša Tumbaković after the game via Sky Sports;

"I have not noticed nor heard any chanting. I don’t see the reason why I should comment on that."

Really? So a squad of 22 players and their manager were hearing things besides the losing manager? With a statement such as this, the punishment shouldn’t be lenient for the team or country.

Racism has been associated with the game we love in far too many fixtures this seasons. Just to name a few;

• The banana skin that was thrown on to the pitch at Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
• Raheem Sterling when approaching the corner flag at Stamford Bridge in a Man City and Chelsea meeting
• Mohamed Salah at the Olympic Stadium in Liverpool and West Ham’s draw.

It’s time to tighten up on the problem that continues to plague the game!

Many who are opposed to this unwelcomed conduct are strongly in agreement more than a fine should be handed out by UEFA. The title of this post says it all “One country one sound”. This was a message sent by one nation.

If one country shares a caveman ideology, they must suffer the wrath of UEFA as a single unit as well. It is an honour to play at the highest level and on the world’s biggest stages. There is no place for this in sports. Points deducted (even if they do not have any), as well as stadium bans, must be considered.

Better yet, no home games for the next four to five years, plus fewer or no tickets allocated to the Montenegro supporters for away games. Going as far as Euro 2020 expulsion altogether? Now we talking! A poll was conducted by Sky Sports and many (we cannot say all, otherwise we wouldn’t have such problems) were in agreement that Euro 2020 expulsion is the correct punishment.

The FA has also stepped in and has offered an assist to help UEFA score the ultimate goal. Let’s hope justice is served and this is a start to a new way in football after this racism has left a huge dark cloud looming over what is turning out to be one of the best seasons to date.