Like I said I may be missing something from being way over here but these types of acts seem to be more tolorated in Europe. I have seen few followups to the above story about any sanctions or arrests (although I do see lots of stories on racial tensions and they're not all in the sports page). Everybody seems to think the authorities need to fix it. Even the French player who was the target of the original racial tirade from the Spain coach (who's still coaching) had this to say, “These are the sort of questions we need to put to the people in power. We can talk all day about this matter but what is actually happening? Nothing.”

The NBA situation proves my point. We do not tolorate such behavior in America and the penelties where handed out very swiftly. This is a little bit different situation in that racial hatred does not seem to be the cause but bad behavior is bad behavior. Here we play it over and over and over and express our outrage demanding action. Attendance at NBA games will go down because of this incident. Commisioner Stern has a tough job ahead of him restoring fan trust. He knows that he must act because the fans demand it. I just don't see that coming out of Europe. Attendance will not decrease at Football matches (I think it's a match?). In fact I am afriad that this behavior will only move from stadium to stadium much like the wave did here!

I hope I'm wrong!