The Slovak Football Association are to appeal against the fine imposed on them by UEFA for the racist abuse directed at England’s black players during October’s Euro 2004 qualifier.
Slovenia were fined 60,000 Swiss francs fine, for abuse directed at England’s Emile Heskey and Ashley Cole during the match in Bratislava.
‘We disagree with the decision,’ spokeswoman Karolina Ducka told Reuters.
‘UEFA decided on the basis of testimony from fans, who were actually writing on the internet, and they didn’t take into account that this is the first time something like this has been alleged against the Slovak Football Association.:
‘They also mainly didn’t take into account that there was a really fantastic, sporting atmosphere at the match, and there were a few hoodlums there, but they were very few.’
