Referees will get power to stop matches over racism

BUCHAREST: Referees will be given the power to take players off the field for as long as they see fit if there is racist behavior at club or international matches organized by UEFA.

The Executive Committee of European soccer's governing body ruled on Tuesday that referees will be allowed to take "strong and decisive action" if matches are marred by racist jeering from fans.

The idea will now be examined more closely and new guidelines will be given to referees after the next Executive Committee meeting in Vilnius at the beginning of July.