European football’s governing body yesterday said it had fined Italy forward Antonio Cassano for homophobic comments he made during a news conference at Euro 2012.

UEFA said in a statement on its website that it had fined the striker 15,000 euros fine for a “discriminatory press statement” during the tournament, without referring to the words he used.

Cassano caused outrage among gay rights campaigners after a news conference on June 12 during which he used a derogatory word to describe homosexuals and said that he hoped there were no gay players in the Italian national team.

Homosexuality in sport and particularly football is a sensitive issue.

There are no high-profile openly gay footballers in the major European leagues and many gay rights groups have called for someone to take a stand and become the first.

UEFA said Milan forward Cassano can appeal against the fine within three days of receiving a formal written confirmation of the sanction.

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