Spain and Russia fined for racist chants at Euro 2012

The football federations of Spain and Russia have both been fined by UEFA for fans' racist behavior and chants at Euro 2012.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation is being fined €20,000 for racist chants shouted by fans at the Italian star-striker, Mario Balotelli, on June 10.

The Russian Football Union is being hit with a fine of €30,000, after the country’s supporters offended Czech Republic’s black defender Theodor Gebre Selassie, during a group stage match on June 8. Apparently fans made "monkey noises" while he was playing.... read more.

Russian protesters to pay fines or sweep the streets

People participating in unlawful or unsanctioned protests in Russia may be forced to pay fines to cover any damages caused or will be subject to days of compulsory community service.

With other countries planning to impose heavy penalties, including jail time on protesters, Russia is taking a softer approach.

A group of MPs in United Russia are proposing the imposition of significantly higher fines for unlawful or unsanctioned rallies, or alternatively making the protesters perform compulsory community service, such as sweeping the streets.

The new bill proposes that organizers of street rallies should pay up to US$3,400 for such violations and individual participants in the protests would pay up to US$340. These amendments to the bill were submitted to State Duma yesterday.... read full article.