Platini writes to Zapatero after Atletico sanctions

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has received a letter from UEFA president Michel Platini following the sanctions imposed on Atletico Madrid by European football's governing body, the government said Wednesday.

“I can confirm that Mr. Zapatero has received a letter from Mr. Platini,” a government spokesman said.

He said he was unaware of the contents of the letter, nor if Zapatero intended to respond by Thursday, as reported by radio Onca Cero.

UEFA on Tuesday announced penalties against Atletico de Madrid for alleged crowd disturbances and racist insults by its supporters against Marseille players during a Champions League match on October 1.

It said Atletico must play its next two European matches at a stadium at least 300 kilometres (200 miles) from Madrid.

The club has slammed the sanctions as “completely unfair and disproportionate” and said it would appeal the decision.

Asked by journalists if he is with Atletico on the matter, Zapatero said: “Yes, with Atletico and the police, (Interior Minister Alfredo Perez) Rubalcaba will say something.”

Rubalcaba on Tuesday also defended the actions of the police at the match.