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UEFA: Refs can stop matches due to racism

"We are conscious that this kind of phenomenon (racism) does not disappear overnight," Gaillard told a news conference.

"We have clearly emphasised that we will back drastic measures to deal with drastic behaviour. Stopping games is a drastic measure and carries a point penalty for the home team as it is considered a 3-0 loss," Gaillard added.

Gaillard, attending a "Unite against racism" conference in Warsaw, said UEFA had already shut down stadiums and banned teams from tournaments due to fans' bad behaviour.

Gaillard said racism issues would not hamper Poland's preparations for the tournament as they were not one of the requirements taken into account.

In 2006 Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o thereatened to walk off the pitch after being racially insulted by fans during a match against Real Zaragoza.