Is being late a more serious offence than racism?

As the entire footballing world looks forward to a massive Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Barcelona, it is difficult not to think about the parent body of European football and the tournament organizers UEFA.

It has been a couple of difficult weeks for football governing bodies in both England and Europe. The major difference, however, is the fact that while the FA have been criticized for their reluctance to clamp down on poor refereeing decisions, UEFA have effectively shot themselves in the foot. Their decision to fine Manchester City €30,000 for turning up late on the pitch for their Europa League match against Sporting Lisbon is absolutley appalling. While the number on its own doesn’t seem like a big fine, especially for a club like Man City, it absolutely pales in comparison to the decision to fine FC Porto. City’s rivals in the previous round of the tournament were fined only €20,000 for racist abuse against their players Mario Balotelli and Yaya Toure.

At a time when the importance of sport in overcoming social issues and problems is being stressed over and over again, UEFA blew a brilliant chance to get some good publicity not only for them but for the sport as well. It is no secret that racism in football has always been a problem. The sight of Samuel Eto’o charging off the pitch at Zaragoza 6 years ago and the disgraceful behaviour towards England players Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole in 2004 almost immediately spring to mind.

Porto didn’t help matters when they tried to defend their supporters and even accused Man City supporters of racism when they booed Hulk at the Etihad in the return leg. This was one big chance for UEFA to send a strong message that such instances shall not be tolerated and they should have taken much more strict action.

People have defended UEFA by saying that such instances have happened before and they have gone based on precedents which were set earlier. This begs the question of what is considered the more serious offence; racism or time-wasting on a football pitch?

UEFA earlier fined the Bulgarian FA €40,000 for racist taunts against English footballers during a Euro 2012 qualifier, the same amount which Arsene Wenger was fined for criticising the referee after Arsenal’s Champions League exit against AC Milan.

It is obviously clear that there are more deep seated issues than just poor officiating which are affecting the sport but unfortunately the powers-that-be continue to live in their bubble and refuse to look out of it. A lot of different sports have taken serious actions against racism. There is a reason why there are no racist chants at cricket, hockey or any other sport for that matter. People have been arrested and teams have been made to play behind closed doors. Unfortunately in football racism is considered to be a non-issue, at least that’s what it appears to be.

The UEFA, as well as FIFA, need to take a serious look in the mirror and see the error of their ways. Major overhaul of the system and indeed the disciplinary committee are needed or else this problem is only going to escalate. Sport should be used as a tool for bringing people together and should be enjoyed by all, instances like these only leave a bad taste in the mouth.