UEFA charges Spain, Russia over fans' racist abuse

WARSAW, Poland (AP) -- UEFA has charged the Spanish and Russian football associations for racist chants by fans at the European Championship.

The charges follow reports that monkey noises were directed by Spain fans at Italy forward Mario Balotelli, and that Russian fans targeted Czech Republic defender Theodor Gebre Selassie.

UEFA says it has opened disciplinary cases for "improper conduct of their supporters (racist behavior, racist chanting)." The European football body says its disciplinary panel will deal with the cases Thursday.

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