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Uefa admits racism evidence fears Hughes demands action over racism
(about 2 hours later)
Uefa says it may be difficult to find evidence that Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy was racially abused during a Uefa Cup tie against Wisla Krakow. Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has asked Uefa to take action over claims Benni McCarthy was racially abused during the Uefa Cup tie in Poland on Thursday.
Rovers allege that McCarthy was the target of racist comments during their 2-1 win and say they may pursue it. McCarthy said he was a target during the 2-1 group win against Wisla Krakow.
But Uefa spokesman William Gaillard said: "We have no reason to doubt his word, but the problem will be finding hard evidence to pass any sanctions." Uefa has warned it may be difficult to find any "hard evidence", but Hughes says: "Uefa should take as strong action as it is allowed to do.
The Football Association says it will help Blackburn pursue these claims. "It is important we highlight these things because there is no place for them. This needs to be eradicated."
Comments of a racist nature were made to Benni Rovers boss Mark Hughes Hughes said McCarthy approached Swedish referee Stefan Johannesson at half-time but still the taunts continued.
FA spokesman Adrian Bevington said: "If this is the case it is very disturbing. We treat these allegations seriously and we'll work with the club and Uefa. The problem will be finding hard evidence to pass any sanctions Uefa's William Gaillard
"Benni was upset by a number of personal comments directed at him by one of their players," added the Blackburn boss.
"It happened right throughout the game. Benni, to his credit, did not react to them and he highlighted the issue to a number of Krakow players and the referee at half-time.
"The situation still developed and there were more comments at the end of the game.
"I spoke to Benni this morning as we trying to build a statement, which we will produce at some point on Friday."
But Uefa spokesman William Gaillard admitted: "We have no reason to doubt Benni's word, he has been in the game for a long time now, playing at the top level.
"But the problem will be finding hard evidence to pass any sanctions."
The Football Association says it will help Blackburn pursue these claims with European football's governing body.
"If this is the case it is very disturbing," said FA spoeksman Adrian Bevington. "We treat these allegations seriously and we'll work with the club and Uefa.
"Unfortunately we have seen the recent trend where when our clubs have gone away in Europe or the national side has gone away, we've seen them encounter situations of racism."Unfortunately we have seen the recent trend where when our clubs have gone away in Europe or the national side has gone away, we've seen them encounter situations of racism.
"We'll wait and see what Blackburn have to say, I'm sure they will be in contact with us if that was the case.""We'll wait and see what Blackburn have to say, I'm sure they will be in contact with us if that was the case."
Rovers boss Mark Hughes said the club would definitely take up the matter with European football's governing body.
"Comments of a racist nature were made to Benni," said Hughes.
"Benni was upset at the end because of these comments that were made to him during the game.
"We will speak to Uefa and make it clear to them who we think was involved.
"I will speak to the Uefa delegate at some stage to make our point.
"It's unfortunate that something like this will tend to overshadow a great performance."