Uefa talks down Slovakia ban

Heskey said he was subjected to racist taunts

Uefa has played down reports that Slovakia fans will be banned from attending their team's Euro 2004 qualifier in England next summer.

European football's governing body has launched an inquiry into allegations of racism directed at English players during Saturday's match between the Group Seven rivals.

And striker Emile Heskey confirmed after England's 2-1 win that he had been subjected to the worst racist taunts of his career in Bratislava.

Heskey slams racists

Uefa will take into account the report of Italian referee Domenico Messina and that of its own technical delegate before deciding whether or not to take action.

Normally we don't have problems with racism - we accept all English football

Dusan Tittel
Slovakian FA

It could fine the Slovakian Football Association or force it to play its next home match behind closed doors.

But an unnamed Uefa source said that imposing a ban on Slovakia supporters travelling to England for next June's return leg was unlikely.

The Slovakian FA is set to be called to a hearing of Uefa's disciplinary committee after the technical delegate corroborated the evidence of the referee.

"The delegate has also referred to the racist abuse and noted also the events that were taking place in England supporters' end," said Uefa communications director Mike Lee.

Uefa issues anti-racism plan

There were episodes of violence involving the away fans, which led to local police clearing an area of the stadium.

Dusan Tittel, general secretary of the Slovakian FA, told BBC Five Live that he was "very surprised" by all the post-match talk of racism.

"Normally we don't have problems with racism. We accept all English football."

Uefa's investigation will continue over the next few days with comments being sought from both the Slovakian and English FAs and from the Slovakian police.

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