Referees can stop matches if fans shout racist abuse

European Under-21 Championship Final/Netherlands v Serbia:Uefa are willing to have the European Under-21 Championship final abandoned if there is a repeat of the racist behaviour from Serbian supporters which marred their group match against England.

The referee Damir Skomina has been reminded that he has the power to call an instant halt to tonight's match between Serbia and the Netherlands, while European football's governing body have warned that they will operate a policy of zero tolerance against racist behaviour.

Uefa were forced to make an anti-racism announcement during England's 2-0 win against Serbia last Sunday, when the Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha was subjected to racist chanting and gestures from a section of supporters.

Serbia have contacted their supporters to warn them of the possible consequences if any of the Netherlands' black players are abused.

"They (Serbia) have gone out of their way to ensure a few idiots don't spoil the final," said Uefa's director of communications, William Gaillard. "Our president has made it clear that zero tolerance applies to the final. There is no problem for the referee to stop the game and there would be sanctions as well.

"We are prepared to take drastic measures. We hope it won't come to that, but we are ready. This is supposed to be a celebration of football and we will not tolerate any racism."

The Dutch are concerned that the tournament could be overshadowed by the issue of racism while their coach, Foppe de Haan, has been quoted as describing Serbians as "a bit racist".

The president of the Serbian Football Association, Zvezdan Terzic, has urged Serbian supporters to "control themselves".

Speaking to the Serbian TV station B92, he said: "For all their enthusiasm and patriotism, our fans must understand that outbursts of nationalism and racism will only cause damage to our football and our country's reputation."

The Dutch captain, Ron Vlaar, will miss today's final after straining a ligament in his left knee and is likely to be replaced by Arnold Kruiswijk.

Guardian Service