UEFA, police probe Juventus soccer fans’ alleged racist, Nazi acts

By AP 7 September 2022, 9:08 pm Edit

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar (L) and Juventus' Brazilian defender Bremer (R) fight for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group H first leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Juventus at Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, on September 6, 2022. (Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP)

UEFA and French authorities open investigations into claims that some Juventus fans made Nazi salutes and monkey noises during the team’s Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain last night.

The Paris prosecutor’s office said an investigation was launched into alleged public provocation of racial hatred after police reviewed surveillance video and detained four fans.

UEFA said it opened “a disciplinary investigation regarding allegations of discriminatory behavior by Juventus supporters” at the team’s 2-1 loss in Paris on Tuesday.

Juventus is responsible under UEFA rules for conduct of its fans at stadiums. The Italian club faces punishment including closing part or all of its stadium for a Champions League game and paying a fine.

Details of the allegations were published by three French anti-discrimination groups. The SOS-Racisme group said more arrests could follow in Italy.

The activists called for a strong reaction from UEFA and welcomed an investigation started by the public prosecution office in Paris.

Juventus did not comment publicly on the incidents.