VILNIUS, Lithuania -- Police have launched a formal investigation into the brandishing of a racist banner by home fans during Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against France, the Lithuanian Football Federation said Monday.That one cost the Lithuanian Soccer Federation 15,000 Swiss francs."The police have started an investigation to find out who is responsible for the incident," said Vaidotas Rastenis, the federation's deputy spokesman. "The federation in turn is to release a statement for the fans related to the incident," he added.
At Saturday's match in the Lithuanian city of Kaunas, home fans displayed a large banner showing an outline map of Africa in the blue, white and red colours of France's national flag, emblazoned with the words: "Welcome to Europe".
The banner appeared to be aimed at France's black players, who make up the majority of the team.
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Lithuania condemn 'racist' banner, CNN, March 26, 2007.
For ‘brandishing’ (like a weapon) a racist banner that says...”Welcome to Europe.”!
Take their trademark away and sell the team to a California billionaire!