UEFA applauds Oslo initiative

UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner has backed the anti-racism message sent out by the Norwegian Football Association (NFF) and Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Federation (NSBiH) ahead of their countries' EURO 2004™ meeting in Oslo tonight.

Racism shown red card
Before the Group 2 qualifying game at the Ullevål Stadium in Oslo, players from both sides held up two big red cards and an address was made to the crowd stressing the importance of stamping out racism in football.

'In line with UEFA's policy'
Mr Aigner said: "UEFA has given its blessing to this very positive joint effort of the Norwegian and Bosnian FAs. The initiative is perfectly in line with UEFA's policy to firmly fight against racism. Furthermore, it comes only days after UEFA's declaration to stamp out any racism from Europe's football grounds.

Future initiatives
"It will be important to receive feedback about the reaction of the spectators in the stadium regarding this initiative," added Mr Aigner. "This will allow us to plan other similar actions for the future."

'United against racism'
In Norway this year, there is an ongoing campaign against racism in football in the domestic league, with players wearing badges carrying the logo 'United against racism'.