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[PICTURES/VIDEOS] Racism in football

Bulgarians making monkey noises at black players is due to the British? Seriously?

Let’s try and tease that out. In the seventies and eighties a racist group called the NF would recruit from football fans of English clubs. That was stamped out. Some idiots who happen to be English caused trouble abroad but there is no need to generalise this into “the British”.

You should listen to the great John Barnes. He has it spot on, racism in football is a reflection of the society and how society pushes racism as acceptable.

England cannot point fingers at others, not just due to the history of their own hoolignaism and racism but the current wave taking place in the leagues of England.

Will the players walk off in the Premier League if they hear racist chanting or if they hear England fans being racist to the opposition? No they wont.
 
England and Bulgaria charged by UEFA following their European Qualifier

Bulgarian Football Union handed four charges, including one for 'racist behaviour', while FA receive two charges

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Bulgaria following the racist chanting in Sofia on Monday – while England have also been hit with two charges.

England ran out 6-0 winners in the European Championship Qualifier but the game was marred by the torrent of racist abuse directed at their players with the game twice halted during the first half.

Now, the Bulgarian Football Union has been charged following home supporters' "racist behaviour", which includes chants and Nazi salutes, "throwing of objects", "disruption of national anthem" as well as "replays on giant screen" during the game.

The English Football Association has also been charged with disruption of a national anthem by the visiting supporters, as well as an insufficient number of travelling stewards.

According to a UEFA statement, the case will be dealt with by the governing body's control, ethics and disciplinary body, with the date of the meeting yet to be confirmed.

UEFA ready to "wage war on racists"
In a statement issued on Tuesday, UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin urged governments to escalate the "war on the racists" to help football authorities eliminate it from stadiums, and blamed a "rise of nationalism" for encouraging abuse.

"Believe me, UEFA is committed to doing everything it can to eliminate this disease from football," Ceferin said. "We cannot afford to be content with this. We must always strive to strengthen our resolve.

"More broadly, the football family - everyone from administrators to players, coaches and fans - needs to work with governments and NGOs (non-governmental organisations) to wage war on the racists and to marginalise their abhorrent views to the fringes of society.

"There were times, not long ago, when the football family thought that the scourge of racism was a distant memory. The last couple of years have taught us that such thinking was, at best, complacent.

"The rise of nationalism across the continent has fuelled some unacceptable behaviour and some have taken it upon themselves to think that a football crowd is the right place to give voice to their appalling views."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Downing Street office called on UEFA to impose tough penalties on Bulgaria. Ceferin sees eradicating racism as part of a wider effort.

"Football associations themselves cannot solve this problem," Ceferin said. "Governments too need to do more in this area. Only by working together in the name of decency and honour will we make progress.

"As a governing body, I know we are not going to win any popularity contests, but some of the views expressed about UEFA's approach to fighting racism have been a long way off the mark."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...ed-by-uefa-following-their-european-qualifier
 
You should listen to the great John Barnes. He has it spot on, racism in football is a reflection of the society and how society pushes racism as acceptable.

England cannot point fingers at others, not just due to the history of their own hoolignaism and racism but the current wave taking place in the leagues of England.

Will the players walk off in the Premier League if they hear racist chanting or if they hear England fans being racist to the opposition? No they wont.

I haven't pointed any fingers, I expressed pride in how England supported their black players last night.
 
I haven't pointed any fingers, I expressed pride in how England supported their black players last night.

By this you are pointing out they were right to stop the game because Bulgarian fans were being racist? The racism continued but they decided to keep playing. Why stop in the first place then?
 
By this you are pointing out they were right to stop the game because Bulgarian fans were being racist? The racism continued but they decided to keep playing. Why stop in the first place then?

England didn't, the referee did.
 
By this you are pointing out they were right to stop the game because Bulgarian fans were being racist? The racism continued but they decided to keep playing. Why stop in the first place then?

To activate the protocol. Given that many racist fans were made to leave the stadium, the England team may have felt that the point had been made. Perhaps they should have walked off the pitch, but the black players were happy to continue the match after protocol stage two was applied.
 
To activate the protocol. Given that many racist fans were made to leave the stadium, the England team may have felt that the point had been made. Perhaps they should have walked off the pitch, but the black players were happy to continue the match after protocol stage two was applied.

No point was made if the racism continued. All they did is make the racists more racists and showed the world they are hypocrites.
 
Bulgarians making monkey noises at black players is due to the British? Seriously?

Let’s try and tease that out. In the seventies and eighties a racist group called the NF would recruit from football fans of English clubs. That was stamped out. Some idiots who happen to be English caused trouble abroad but there is no need to generalise this into “the British”.

Yes the English hooligans/yobs started these antics and this is the by product that we see today.
 
England players wanted to thrash Bulgaria to make their fans "suffer" for their racist abuse, said midfielder Jordan Henderson.

Monday's Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia was stopped twice as home fans were warned about racist behaviour including Nazi salutes and monkey chanting.

England were 3-0 up after the second stoppage in the 43rd minute and then scored three more times in a 6-0 win.

"It was disgusting," Henderson, 29, said of the abuse his team-mates faced.

"It shouldn't be happening and something needs to be done about it but I thought the lads were outstanding and if I was angry I'm sure they were angry as well.

"We let the football do the talking. The message in the dressing room at half-time was we wanted to go out in the second half and make them suffer and make their team suffer on the pitch and I think we did that."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50064013
 
Bulgaria v England: Police arrest six following racist abuse at Euro qualifier

Bulgarian police have identified 15 fans they suspect are responsible for subjecting black England players to racist abuse and arrested six of them.

The nine not arrested are under police investigation, with three wanted.

England's 6-0 Euro 2020 qualifier win over Bulgaria in Sofia was stopped twice in the first half following racist chanting by home supporters.

"We do not tolerate such behaviour," Bulgaria Ministry of the Interior commissioner Georgi Hadzhiev said.

Bulgaria's football chief Borislav Mikhailov resigned on Tuesday.

Bulgaria manager Krasimir Balakov said after the game he "didn't hear" any chanting, having previously accused England of having a bigger racism problem.

But Balakov has since posted a statement on Facebook, acknowledging the incidents on Monday and apologising to "English footballers and to all those who felt offended".

"I condemn all forms of racism as an unacceptable behaviour that contradicts normal human relations," he added.

Bulgarian legend Hristo Stoichkov became emotional when he was asked on TV how to prevent a similar occurrence in future. He advocated that "fans are not allowed in the stadium or even [face] heavier punishments".

Apparently referring to the five-year European ban imposed on English club sides after 39 people died at Heysel Stadium before the start of the 1985 European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus, he added: "Like in England for years - five years without going to stadiums. People don't deserve to suffer."

Meanwhile, the English Football Association and Uefa have condemned the actions of the 'ultras' section of Bulgaria fans, with Aleksander Ceferin, president of the sport's European governing body, calling for "football family and governments" to "wage war on the racists".

The FA has also offered full support to England players following the racist chanting, with counselling one of the options open to them.

Stewards joined those chanting'

According to European anti-discrimination body Fare, about 20 stewards joined those involved in racist abuse and far-right activity after taking their hi-vis jackets off.

The European anti-discrimination body had spotters in the crowd and have included their findings in the report they have handed to Uefa.

Fare executive director Piara Powar said: "It is common practice in Eastern Europe. They use security from fan groups as they know their own people. That's the idea but it's not the idea to take off bibs and join in.

"There in lies the problem in some countries. Some of the policing is not fit for purpose.

"We have called for Uefa to kick Bulgaria out of the competition."

Players condemn abuse

England midfielder Jordan Henderson called the behaviour of Bulgaria fans "disgusting", after they were warned for making Nazi salutes and monkey noises.

Henderson added: "I obviously wasn't happy with the situation that we were in - it wasn't nice to be involved in and it shouldn't be happening in 2019."

Team-mate Tyrone Mings, who was making his international debut on Monday, said he heard racist chanting "clear as day" during the pre-match warm-up in Sofia.

A number of players posted on social media following the game, thanking travelling fans for their support and expressing their pride in the performance despite the abuse.

"Not an easy situation to play in and not one which should be happening in 2019," said striker Marcus Rashford. "Proud we rose above it to take three points but this needs stamping out.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50066016
 
Bulgaria coach Krasimir Balakov has resigned four days after England's Euro 2020 qualifying win was overshadowed by racism from home supporters.

Monday's match in Sofia was stopped twice because of racist abuse directed at England's black players.

However, after the match Balakov, 53, said he "didn't hear anything".

"I am no longer national team coach," Balakov told Bulgarian media after a meeting of the Bulgarian Football Union on Friday.

According to reports from Bulgaria, the whole board of the Bulgarian Football Union, including president Borislav Mikhailov, has resigned.

"The performance of Bulgaria's men's national team in recent months has been described as unsatisfactory, which is why Krasimir Balakov resigned," a statement from the organisation said.

Bulgarian authorities have so far identified 16 suspects and made 12 arrests following the England game.

Four supporters received fines and two-year bans on Thursday, with others remaining under investigation.

"I wish success to the next coach, the situation is not rosy at the moment," said Balakov.

"I have never been a coach in such an atmosphere.

"I tried to pick up the players in the locker room. There was no rebellion.

"The players were so mentally stressed by what was happening on the pitch that they lacked the energy to rebel."

I didn't hear anything - Balakov
Balakov said on Monday night: "I was concentrated on the game.

"I didn't actually hear anything but I just talked to the English press downstairs and I told them that if this is proven to be true, then we have to be ashamed and we have to apologise for it.

"But, once again, first it has to be proven to be true."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50097004
 
The FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie between Haringey Borough and Yeovil has been abandoned after reports of racial abuse aimed at Haringey's players.

Visitors Yeovil were leading 1-0 through a Rhys Murphy penalty when the game was halted in the 64th minute.

There was a long delay for that spot-kick to be taken, with Haringey keeper Douglas Pajetat reportedly initially struck by an object from the stands.

Shortly after Murphy scored, play was suspended as the hosts left the field.

About 35 minutes later, it was confirmed the match had officially been abandoned, with BT Sport reporting that Pajetat was racially abused and spat at by visiting fans.

Haringey said on Twitter: "Sorry for the late update but wanted to make sure we gave correct information. Game has been abandoned following racial abuse. Horrendous afternoon.

"It must be said that 99.9% of [Yeovil] fans are also disgusted by what's happened as much as we are. One club, one community."

The incident comes four days after England's Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria was halted twice as fans were warned about racist behaviour, including Nazi salutes and monkey chanting.

'We stand with Haringey' - Yeovil boss Sarll

Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll told BBC Somerset: "On behalf of Yeovil Town, we fully support Haringey and we stand together.

"The players and I decided we'd support [Haringey] and make a stand together, and be stronger with togetherness.

"I want Haringey and our football club to know we don't condone anything of that nature, if there was anything of that nature.

"We, footballers and managers, get a lot of abuse but nobody should feel discriminated against when they come to play football.

"I'd do anything to win but there are certain levels and lines I'd never go over. There was no way I'd support racial discrimination.

"I feel we've done the right thing. I'm not going to feel anything other than proud for the way the players conducted themselves.

"Now the authorities will take care of what they need to take care of."

'I don't care if we get thrown out' - Haringey boss Loizou

Haringey boss Tom Loizou told BBC Radio 5 live: "It's very distressing. The abuse a few of my players got was disgusting.

"We've worked hard all week, had a great experience in the FA Cup last season and a silly two minutes has taken everything away from us.

"It wasn't consistent throughout the game. They got a penalty and as they were lining up to take it, my goalkeeper got spat at and had a bottle thrown at him.

"The referee managed to calm things down, they took the penalty and then my number six - Coby Rowe - got called names. He got racially abused and there was no way I could let him continue.

"The FA Cup's not worth that much to us. We are never going to win it. Good luck to Yeovil Town if we get punished and thrown out, all be it, I don't care."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50111754
 
So accusing Bulgarians of racism and same happening in UK?
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is Haringey goalkeeper Valery Pajetat.<br><br>He's from Cameroon. <br><br>Racially abused on an English football pitch in an FA Cup match, in London, today.<br><br>Sort your own house out <a href="https://twitter.com/FA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/EFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@premierleague</a> before patting yourself on the back for gimmicks.<br><br>ACTION, NOT GIMMICKS. <a href="https://t.co/n85RYBS5Nv">pic.twitter.com/n85RYBS5Nv</a></p>— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) <a href="https://twitter.com/StanCollymore/status/1185605992215711746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Police say they are investigating after an FA Cup match between Haringey Borough and Yeovil Town was abandoned amid reports of racial abuse by fans.

Officers are also investigating after items were reportedly thrown onto the playing area, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson told BBC Sport.

Saturday's match was abandoned after Haringey's manager took his team off the field in the second half.

There have been no arrests yet and inquiries are continuing.

The match, played at Haringey's Coles Park Stadium, was in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup, with the winner set to progress to the first round proper.

Haringey goalkeeper Valery Douglas Pajetat was reportedly spat at and hit by an object thrown from the Yeovil Town end.

Defender Coby Rowe was then "racially abused", according to Haringey boss Tom Loizou, who said "there was no way I could let him continue".

Avon and Somerset Police says it will be assisting the Met, and have asked anyone with information or video footage to contact them.

Bristol City investigate claims of racism by away fans at Luton
Douglas Pajetat
Cameroonian goalkeeper Valery Douglas Pajetat joined Haringey Borough from Margate in 2017
The Football Association is also investigating and said it was "deeply concerned" about the allegations.

"There is no room for discrimination in our game and we are working with the match officials and the relevant authorities, as a matter of urgency, to fully establish the facts and take the appropriate steps," said an FA statement.

The incident came four days after England's Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria was halted twice as fans were warned about racist behaviour, including Nazi salutes and monkey chanting.

Haringey play in the Isthmian League Premier Division and Yeovil are in the National League.

"It's very distressing," Loizou told BBC Radio 5 Live. "The abuse a few of my players got was disgusting.

"Yeovil's players and manager were different class. Their team tried to calm their supporters down, they tried their best and they supported us - they said 'if you're walking off, we're walking off with you'.

"I took the decision to take my team off and I don't want Yeovil Town to get punished for it. If we get thrown out of the FA Cup and they go through, there is no hard feelings there.

"I have not done it for any other reason than looking into my players' faces and seeing how distraught they were. They are not used to this."

What happened at Haringey v Yeovil?
Visitors Yeovil were leading 1-0 through a Rhys Murphy penalty when the game was halted in the 64th minute.

There was a long delay for that spot-kick to be taken, with Haringey keeper Pajetat reportedly initially struck by an object from the stands.

Shortly after Murphy scored, play was suspended as the hosts left the field. About 35 minutes later, it was confirmed the match had officially been abandoned.

Haringey said on Twitter: "Game has been abandoned following racial abuse. Horrendous afternoon.

"It must be said that 99.9% of [Yeovil] fans are also disgusted by what's happened as much as we are. One club, one community."

In a statement Yeovil said the club "will not accept racism or discrimination in any form" and that they will "be cooperating with the authorities and our friends at Haringey".

'The boys were disgusted'
Former Haringey left-back Michael O'Donoghue was at the game and went into the dressing room with the team when they came off.

The 23-year-old, who played for Borough for three and a half years before leaving last season to join Concord Rangers, told the PA news agency: "As soon as they scored it was starting to kick off again and you could see the Haringey players were getting abused and felt unsettled.

"The referee was seen removing the bottles thrown at the players and then the managers of both teams went on and escorted their teams off the pitch.

"I went into the changing room with the boys, the referee called in both captains and managers to have a talk about what to do next. The boys made a group decision to make a stand and not go back out to play.

"The officials and Yeovil manager came into the Haringey changing room and said they will back whatever decision the Haringey boys made, so that was class from them.

"The boys were disgusted and you could see a few were distraught from getting abused like that."

'We stand with Haringey' - Yeovil boss Sarll

Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarll told BBC Somerset: "On behalf of Yeovil Town, we fully support Haringey and we stand together.

"The players and I decided we'd support [Haringey] and make a stand together, and be stronger with togetherness.

"My head is in an absolute spin. I've gone through a situation I never hoped I'd go through.

"We, footballers and managers, get a lot of abuse but nobody should feel discriminated against when they come to play football.

"I feel we've done the right thing. I'm not going to feel anything other than proud for the way the players conducted themselves.

"Now the authorities will take care of what they need to take care of."

England and Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings, who was racially abused in Bulgaria on Tuesday, praised Haringey's response and said: "Our country isn't perfect either."

The campaign group Kick It Out said in a statement: "These reports of alleged racist abuse aimed at goalkeeper Valery Douglas Pajetat yet again means players are continuing to receive discriminatory abuse while doing their job.

"The Haringey manager and players took swift and decisive action as a result of the abuse, similar to that taken by the England team out in Bulgaria.

"Kick It Out has informed the FA and will support the club in identifying the offender(s) to ensure appropriate action is taken and strong punishment issued.

"We would also like to offer our full support to Douglas and all at Haringey Borough FC."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50114848
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">5 mins after Bulgaria,every major broadcaster & journo elaborated disgust. You couldn't move for "we're disgusted, act!"<br><br>We are now 2 hrs after a match was stopped in England for racism, where are the same broadcasters & journos?<br><br>This is the hypocrisy that keeps racism alive.</p>— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) <a href="https://twitter.com/StanCollymore/status/1185612701717925890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Hearts have vowed to ban any fan found guilty of racism after revealing they are investigating an allegation made in their 1-1 draw against Rangers.

The abuse was allegedly directed at Rangers forward Alfredo Morelos during the Scottish Premiership game at Tynecastle.

A short statement read: "The club is aware of the incident in question and is currently investigating it. It goes without saying that Heart of Midlothian Football Club utterly condemns any form of racism and any individuals found guilty of such an offence will face an indefinite ban from Tynecastle Park."

Rangers missed out on the chance to regain top spot in the Scottish Premiership from Celtic after being held to a 1-1 draw in Edinburgh.

The alleged incident comes after Bristol City also announced they are looking into reports of racism coming from away supporters during the Robins' 3-0 defeat to Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.

Haringey Borough and Yeovil Town's encounter in FA Cup qualifying was also abandoned after players walked off the pitch after alleged racism.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...lleged-racism-towards-rangers-alfredo-morelos
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">5 mins after Bulgaria,every major broadcaster & journo elaborated disgust. You couldn't move for "we're disgusted, act!"<br><br>We are now 2 hrs after a match was stopped in England for racism, where are the same broadcasters & journos?<br><br>This is the hypocrisy that keeps racism alive.</p>— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) <a href="https://twitter.com/StanCollymore/status/1185612701717925890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We are now 2 hrs after a match was stopped in England for racism, where are the same broadcasters & journos?"

Errr, writing about it and covering it on every single notable national news outlet and TV channel...?
 
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Two men have been arrested by police investigating reports of racist abuse during Saturday's FA Cup match between Haringey Borough and Yeovil Town.

The men - aged 23 and 26 - were arrested in Chard and Yeovil on Monday morning on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault.

They are both in custody at a police station in Somerset.

Saturday's match was abandoned after Haringey's manager took his team off the field.

The Metropolitan Police is leading the investigation with the assistance of colleagues from the Avon and Somerset force.

Officers are also investigating after items were reportedly thrown on to the playing area.

The match at Haringey's Coles Park Stadium was in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup, with the winner set to progress to the first round proper.

Haringey goalkeeper Valery Douglas Pajetat was reportedly spat at and hit by an object thrown from the Yeovil Town end.

The home club's chairman described what happened as "soul-destroying".

"I am of the view that we had no choice. We could not carry on and play football," said Aki Achillea.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50121845
 
Three Chelsea fans face bans for racially abusing a fellow supporter at a Europa League game in April.

Jerome Bailey, 20, said he was subjected to slurs about his skin and hair during a tie at Slavia Prague.

He was also "disappointed" it took the club six months to contact him after providing names and seat numbers of the alleged perpetrators.

Chelsea have suspended the fans and have written to Bailey apologising for the delay.

The supporters could be banned for life, although the lengths of their suspensions have yet to be determined.

Bailey, who initially felt like his case had been "swept under the carpet", told BBC Sport: "It's the result I wanted all along but it's unfortunate and disappointing that it's taken so long to get to this point.

"Maybe Chelsea need to look at how efficient their procedures are in this area."

Chelsea said it took time to identify the alleged abusers but accepted they could have made contact sooner.

Bailey said he welcomed the suspensions and the fact the club had eventually taken action.

"It's good that zero tolerance is not an empty promise in this case," he said.

But he said of the delay: "I just wanted to know that the team I follow cared a little. I didn't feel like I should have been the one to approach the club - they should have been telling me what was happening."

Salah 'bomber video' singers cannot be identified
Chelsea had to respond to several racist incidents last season, including one that saw a Chelsea fan given a life ban for using "racially abusive language" towards Manchester City's Raheem Sterling during a match at Stamford Bridge in December.

Five other Blues supporters have been temporarily suspended for using "abusive language and threatening and aggressive behaviour".

The incident involving Bailey in Prague also coincided with Chelsea stopping three fans entering the Europa League tie after a video showed a group singing an abusive song about Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, who is also a practising Muslim.

After the group were seen to be chanting "Salah is a bomber", Chelsea said they found "all forms of discriminatory behaviour abhorrent" and would "take the strongest possible action" against anyone found guilty.

After an investigation, however, the club were unable to identify those singing the song or confirm whether they were Chelsea fans.

The club suspended three fans for passing on their tickets to other people.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50082516
 
Manchester United ban fan indefinitely for allegedly racially abusing Liverpool player

Manchester United have issued an indefinite ban to a fan who allegedly racially abused Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold on Sunday.

United launched an investigation after the fan was ejected during the first half of the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

A club statement read: "Racism and all forms of discrimination are completely unacceptable and do not reflect the values of our club.

"This individual isn't welcome at Old Trafford."

United said the ban is subject to appeal.

The statement added: "We want to reinforce that we will continue to take strong action against anyone who we identify has engaged in racist or discriminatory abuse, either online or at our matches."

United drew with Liverpool to end the Premier League leaders' 100% start to the season.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50145235
 
No to racism

But it’s a bit ironic to see a rise of hate/racist attacks on the black players from England and other countries.

Growing up, I personally always felt that the black/mixed race youth players didn’t appreciate brown or Asian aspiring footballers. It’s a culture in which the Asians were never made to feel included in.

Racism is far more deeper than what you see being spoken up for in the media
 
What is the solution? You ban them..others will replace them. A ongoing cycle.
 
Bulgaria have been ordered to play two matches behind closed doors - one suspended for two years - for their fans' racist abuse of England players in a Euro 2020 qualifier.

England's 6-0 win in Sofia was stopped twice and could have been abandoned, but the visitors chose to play on.

The hosts already had a partial stadium closure for that match on October 15 because of previous racist behaviour.

Bulgaria have also been fined 75,000 euros (£65,000) by Uefa.

The Bulgaria fans' behaviour included Nazi salutes and monkey chants.

The punishment means they will play their final Euro 2020 qualifying game against the Czech Republic on 17 November in an empty ground.

Anti-discrimination body Fare said it was "disappointed" Bulgaria were not expelled from Euro 2020 qualifying "given their previous record and obvious inability to deal with the problems they face".

"We think the evidence and circumstances of this match would have justified European football being given a stronger signal on the need to tackle racism," it added.

"Obtaining justice for racist acts is not easy in any setting, it is clear that football is no exception.

"We will be in touch with Uefa to explore options and maintain that Bulgaria and others in the same situation fundamentally reappraise how they deal with racism."

The Football Association said: "While we acknowledge Uefa's ruling today, a huge challenge still exists around racism and discrimination in society.

"Football has its part to play, and must do so, but it is for all to recognise the seriousness of the problem.

"While those responsible for such deplorable behaviour at home or abroad need to be held to account, we should not lose sight of the importance of education programmes in finding a long-term solution.

"That has to be the way forward to help address the root cause of such disgusting behaviour."

England have been fined 5,000 euros (£4,314) after their fans booed the Bulgarian national anthem before the game, while the hosts were fined 10,000 euros (£8,629) for the same offence by their supporters.

Aleksander Ceferin, the president of European football's governing body, said following the match against England that the "football family and governments" needed to "wage war on the racists".

After the game, both the president of the Bulgaria Football Union (BFU), Borislav Mihaylov, and Bulgaria manager Krasimir Balakov resigned.

Authorities in Bulgaria have identified 16 suspects and made 12 arrests since the match.

Four people were fined and given two-year bans, with others remaining under investigation.

"We sincerely believe that in the future, Bulgarian football fans will prove with their behaviour that they have unjustifiably become the subject of accusations of lack of tolerance and respect for their opponents," the Bulgaria Football Union said in a statement.

"This will be of benefit to all - for both football players and fans, as well as for Bulgaria's international sporting prestige."

In 2015, Croatia were docked a point from their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign after fans marked a swastika on their pitch for a game against Italy, which was behind closed doors.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50212951
 
Mario Balotelli kicked the ball into the crowd and threatened to walk off the pitch following racial abuse during Brescia's defeat by Hellas Verona.

Referee Maurizio Mariani suspended play and initiated the anti-racism protocol after Italy striker Balotelli, 29, picked up the ball in the 54th-minute.

Brescia team-mates and the officials persuaded the ex-Manchester City and Liverpool player to stay on the field.

An announcement warned fans that more abuse would see the game abandoned.

Balotelli played the full match and scored a sublime goal in the 85th-minute - though his side were unable to find a late equaliser.

Balotelli previously said he would walk off the pitch if he was again subjected to racial abuse after he and AC Milan team-mates were targeted in a Serie A match against Roma in 2013.

In March 2018, the then-Nice forward had a booking for complaining about alleged racist chants by Dijon fans rescinded.

On Saturday, another Serie A match between Roma and Napoli was temporarily paused due to chants aimed at Napoli supporters.

Anti-discriminatory body Fare claimed earlier this season that Italian football's disciplinary systems to combat racism are "not fit for purpose".

That came after Cagliari were cleared of racist chanting towards Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku, with a judging panel determining there was not enough evidence for sanctions.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50281847
 
Everton are investigating alleged racist behaviour by a supporter during Sunday's home draw with Tottenham.

The match was overshadowed by Everton's Andre Gomes suffering a horrific ankle injury after a tackle by Son Heung-min.

Cenk Tosun scored a late equaliser after Dele Alli had put Spurs in front.

An Everton Fan Services statement said: "Everton strongly condemns any form of racism. Any such behaviour has no place within our stadium, our club, our community or our game."

Portugal midfielder Gomes, 26, will have surgery on Monday after suffering a fracture dislocation to his right ankle.

A distressed Son was sent off for the 79-minute challenge.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50284399

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&#55357;&#56629; | Everton is investigating an alleged incident of racist behaviour by a supporter attending today’s fixture against Tottenham. <br><br>Everton strongly condemns any form of racism. Any such behaviour has no place within our stadium, our Club, our community or our game.</p>— Everton Fan Services (@efc_fanservices) <a href="https://twitter.com/efc_fanservices/status/1191076671077658630?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Leeds goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has denied a Football Association charge of racial abuse against Charlton forward Jonathan Leko.
 
Mario Balotelli: Hellas Verona punished with partial stadium closure for one game

Italian club Hellas Verona have been ordered to close part of their stadium for one game following the racist abuse of Mario Balotelli.

Brescia striker Balotelli kicked the ball into the crowd and threatened to walk off the pitch after being abused during Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Verona.

On Tuesday, Serie A's disciplinary commission ordered the closure of the Poltrone Est stand as punishment.

That came after Verona banned the head of their ultras fan group for 11 years.

Luca Castellini had said ex-Manchester City and Liverpool striker Balotelli, 29, can "never be completely Italian".

Verona said Castellini's comments were "seriously" against the "ethical principles and values ​​of our club".

On Monday, Italy international Balotelli responded to Castellini by saying his comments had "nothing to do with football".

"You are getting into social and historical situations that are bigger than you, you small-minded people," he said.

Balotelli, who has played 36 times for Italy and helped them reach the final of the 2012 European Championships, added: "Wake up you imbeciles, you are shambolic.

"When Mario scored a goal for Italy, and - I guarantee you - I will do so again, you are fine with that, aren't you?"

Meanwhile, a motion was put forward to the Verona city council by councillor Andrea Bacciga calling for any players who "defame" the city to "face justice".

He claimed "no-one" at the stadium on Sunday heard the racist abuse aimed at Balotelli.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50299720
 
It only exists when England do really well in my opinion
 
Racism in football: Watford's Troy Deeney says 'one-strike' policy needed

Racist abuse must be tackled with a "one-strike" policy rather than Uefa's three-step protocol, says Watford captain Troy Deeney.

The European governing body's rules state that a game can only be abandoned if fans have been warned twice before.

"We're teaching kids now that you're getting three strikes and you're out," said striker Deeney, 31.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Deeney said he has been racially abuse at stadiums and on "every post" on social media.

"There will be at least six to 10 comments I have to take down," the Englishman added.

"It's more on pictures of your kids, pictures of your partner. People are putting 'you black such and such', 'you monkey emoji', this, that and the other, or bananas and stuff like that.

"It's very difficult to ignore it."

Deeney said after Watford's FA Cup semi-final win over Wolves in April he had to turn off comments on his social media accounts because the "barrage of abuse" was "non-stop".

"It's at that point when you go: 'What am I going to do? Am I going to stand and argue or am I going to make a stand?'" he added.

"I'm very aware there are a lot of kids who watch what we do, and if we don't change that they're going to expect it to be normal."

The recent incidents of racism in football include England players being abused by fans during a Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia on 15 October.

The match was stopped twice by the referee under Uefa's existing protocol but England chose to play on.

"Is that a good way of tackling the problem?" Deeney said of Uefa's system. "Are we going to say now that it's OK to do it three times?"

Bulgaria were fined £65,000 and ordered to play two matches behind closed doors - one suspended for two years - for the abuse.

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said it was "disheartened but not surprised" and Deeney thinks tougher punishments are needed because fines of that size will not lead to nations "acting properly in terms of handling it".

Deeney is part of Watford's "We" campaign, which is attempting to tackle racism in football and gives supporters a way to help identify abusers on social media.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50316490
 
Mario Balotelli: Brescia ultras group calls striker 'arrogant'

Brescia's Mario Balotelli has been called "arrogant" by the club's ultras group as it defended Verona fans after some racially abused the Italian.

The striker, 29, kicked the ball into the crowd and threatened to walk off the pitch after being abused in Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Verona.

"We have no doubts Balotelli is to all intents Italian - even a Bresciano," read a statement from Brescia ultras.

"But the arrogance that he continually gives off is unjustifiable."


On Tuesday, Serie A's disciplinary commission ordered the closure of Verona's Poltrone Est stand for one game, as punishment.

That came after the club banned Luca Castellini, the head of their ultras fan group, for 11 years for stating the ex-Manchester City and Liverpool striker can "never be completely Italian".

The statement from Brescia ultras added: "The personal declarations of one of the leaders of the Verona Curva cannot justify the witch-hunt sparked by the media and institutions in yet another attempt to criminalise and destroy the entire ultras world.

"This does not mean that certain chants are legitimate or acceptable, but nor are all Verona fans racists and the Verona Curva some sort of KKK [Klu Klux Klan] coven.

"Entire fanbases cannot be considered racist, but racism does exist and it is often used to create mass panic in public opinion. This unconventional language is used more and more by public and political figures, but of course nobody would think of banning them because of some code of ethics."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50343222
 
Brazilian midfielder Taison says he was crying "tears of helplessness" after being sent off for reacting to alleged racist abuse during Shakhtar Donetsk's 1-0 home win against Dynamo Kyiv.

Taison, 31, made a gesture towards the Dynamo fans and kicked the ball at them before the referee took the players off the pitch and dismissed Taison.

Brazil team-mate Neymar is among those to have sent him messages of support.

Taison said: "I will never shut up in such an inhuman and despicable act."

In a post on Instagram, he added: "My tears were of indignation, repudiation and helplessness, helplessness that I could do nothing at that moment!

"But we are taught early on to be strong and to fight! Fight for our rights and for equality!"

Paris St-Germain forward Neymar, Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho, Juventus winger Douglas Costa and Everton forward Bernard are among those to have responded in support of Taison.

Bernard, who used to play for Shakhtar, said: "Unfortunately, this is a very backward country when it comes to this, brother, but head on, never stop fighting and doing what you know very well, which is playing soccer. I love you."

Shakhtar said both Taison and fellow Brazilian Dentinho were targeted and the Dynamo fans were warned twice.

The referee took the players off the pitch in the 77th minute, after Taison made an offensive gesture and kicked the ball into the crowd.

When they returned five minutes later, referee Mykola Balakinwas adjudged that Taison's reaction was worthy of a red card. Video on social media shows both he and Dentinho in tears.

"My role is to fight, to beat my chest, to lift my head and keep fighting always," added Taison.

"In a racist society, it is not enough not to be racist, we must be anti-racist! Football needs more respect, the world needs more respect!"

Taison
In a statement after the game, Dynamo said they would cooperate with any investigation into the incident.

In a club statement, Shakhtar said they "categorically oppose any manifestations and forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and any related intolerance".

The club said it will "always voice the support and protect our players" and calls on "football authorities and clubs to stop racism in the stadiums".

In a tweet after the game, Dynamo wrote "#NoToRacism".

"We consider hasty the allegation of a predetermined guilt of the fans, when the investigation into the circumstances of this case has not yet begun," Dynamo said.

"We look forward to the start of the investigation, ready to assist it comprehensively and, if proven guilty, will take all possible steps to further isolate these individuals not only from football but also from society.

"We look forward to the release of photos and videos that could shed light on all the circumstances of the incident."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50372465
 
Sweden's Euro 2020 qualifying match against Romania was temporarily stopped after striker Alexander Isak was subjected to racist abuse in Bucharest.

Real Sociedad's Isak, 20, received abuse after emerging as a 78th-minute substitute as visitors Sweden secured their place at Euro 2020 with victory.

The player agreed to continue following a stadium announcement - the first stage of Uefa's three-step protocol.

"Obviously it hurts, it's a shame, but we were prepared for it," said Isak.

"I heard a number of racist shouts from the stands and I asked the referee if he heard what was happening. He hadn't heard anything.

"A few minutes later he stopped the game and asked. We had a small discussion, the match went on and I am OK with that and I'm happy we won.

"I don't let things like that affect me in that way. It's better to ignore it. There will always be idiots around, it's better not to give them the attention they are looking for."

Sweden qualify as Group F runners-up behind Spain and will host the Faroe Islands in their final fixture on Monday.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50440493
 
Dutch football authorities have opened an investigation into racist abuse of Excelsior Rotterdam's Ahmad Mendes Moreira which resulted in a second division match being suspended.

The referee brought the players off after half an hour of Excelsior's visit to FC Den Bosch on Sunday.

Moreira claims he was verbally abused by a section of the Den Bosch fans.

The winger, 24, who was born in the Netherlands, said he was called a "***** and cotton-picker".

"I'm just very angry and very sad that these things still happen," he added.

Prosecutors will study camera footage and work with police to establish what happened during the match in the North Brabant region.

The game, which ended 3-3 with Moreira scoring in the 44th-minute, restarted after a 10-minute delay and afterwards the Dutch football association KNVB said "we will do everything to track down who did this".

It is the latest incident of racism in European football in recent months, which includes the abuse of England players in a Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria and Brescia striker Mario Balotelli threatened to walk off after being targeted by monkey chants during his side's away loss to Hellas Verona in Serie A.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50457235
 
Shakhtar Donetsk's Taison given one-match ban after reacting to alleged racism

The Ukrainian FA has been accused of "playing into the hands" of racists after midfielder Taison was given a one-match ban following a red card he received for reacting to racist abuse.

Shakhtar Donetsk's Taison, 31, made a gesture towards Dynamo Kiev fans and kicked the ball at them during his side's 1-0 win.

The referee took the players off the pitch in the 77th minute.

When they returned five minutes later, Taison was shown a red card.

"We are very disappointed by the decision of the Ukrainian FA to hand Taison a one-match ban," world players' union Fifpro said.

"Sanctioning a victim of racial abuse is beyond comprehension and it plays into the hands of those who promote this kind of disgraceful behaviour."

The Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) confirmed the suspension on Thursday.

The UAF also ordered Dynamo to play one game behind closed doors and pay a fine of £16,000. They will be on probation for the rest of the season.

Taison and fellow Brazilian Dentinho were targeted by racist abuse during the match on 10 November. Dynamo fans were twice warned about their behaviour.

Video on social media shows both Brazilians in tears.

"It's terrible when such things happen in football," said Shakhtar midfielder Marcos Antonio after the match. "The game needs real fans instead of the people who come to the stadium and behave like that, not respecting the athletes.

"We need to work on this because such episodes upset us all."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50508069
 
I am afraid racism is part of human nature. The problem is much deeper then people think.
racism.jpg
 
'Balotelli is black and needs to lighten up' - Brescia president Cellino embroiled in racism storm

Brescia president Massimo Cellino has found himself in the headlines once again after controversially referring to Mario Balotelli's rocky situation at the club as "black".

Balotelli had been dropped for the Serie A side's clash with Roma on Sunday following a training ground incident that saw coach Fabio Grosso kick the striker out of the session, with Grosso hinting later at a press conference that his charge simply was not putting in enough effort.

“I demand great intensity and a high tempo in my training sessions,” the Italian said at the time. “When that doesn't happen, I prefer to change and make the session tougher. He didn't do that and was set to one side. At a certain point, he has to help himself.”

Appearing on Monday at a Serie A assembly, however, Cellino was asked to comment on the former Inter man's situation, and sparked controversy due to the choice of words used.

“What do you want me to say about him,” the president began. “He's black. He's working to lighten up but he's having difficulty. We can't think that one player alone will save the squad. That would be wrong for the team.”

The debate arose out of Cellino's use of 'nero', a word that could mean 'gloomy' as well as 'black', while 'schiarirsi' can be interpreted as 'lighten up' as well as 'clear up'.

Cellino's comments come just weeks after Balotelli was subject to racist abuse from Hellas Verona supporters , with the ex-Manchester City star visibly angry as he kicked the ball towards the fans in question and had to be stopped from storming off the pitch.

With racism in Italian football seemingly becoming more of an issue in recent times, press immediately jumped on Cellino's perceived gaffe, while the club itself did little to help the situation in a statement released shortly after the comments were made, claiming that the former Leeds United owner's words were merely a misunderstood joke.

“Regarding the quotes released this afternoon by President Massimo Cellino, referring to our player Mario Balotelli, Brescia clarify that they were a paradoxical joke, clearly misunderstood, released in the attempt to defuse excessive media exposure and to protect the player.”

To potentially make matters worse regarding the spirit around the club as a whole, Cellino also called out coach Grosso for not handling the situation as well as he could have.

“The coach was wrong because he only spoke about Balotelli and not the team,” he said. “I bought him because I felt that he could add value; instead he is becoming a point of weakness for overexposure in the media.

“He must respond on the field and not on social media, but he isn't the scapegoat for the difficulties the team finds itself dealing with.”
https://au.sports.yahoo.com/apos-balotelli-black-needs-lighten-171708102.html
 
Liverpool and Netherlands midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum says he would walk off the pitch if he was racially abused.

"A lot of people don't understand the pain you feel as a black player if you get [racist] abuse," he said.

Last weekend, footballers in the Netherlands' top two divisions did not play during the first minute of games to protest against racism.

When asked if he would walk off due to abuse, Wijnaldum said: "Yeah, I would."

He continued: "I think everyone should [walk off]. That's the way you support another person, because why should you go on?

"If you go on it will never stop, because the people will think 'OK, we will abuse the player, they will go inside, we will stop a little bit, but they will come outside again, we will play the game, so why should we stop?'," Wijnaldum told CNN Sport.

The 29-year-old, who has been a mainstay in Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side this season, went on to say he would walk off if he heard abuse during a major final.

"Yeah, I would [walk off], for sure," he said. "Because those things in my opinion cannot happen.

"Everyone will have their own opinion about it, but in my opinion you should also protect the players."

Brescia striker Mario Balotelli kicked the ball into the crowd and threatened to leave the pitch due to racist abuse during his side's 2-1 defeat by Hellas Verona this month.

The former Manchester City and Liverpool player later criticised the "small-minded fans" who shouted abuse at him.

However, Balotelli has since been branded "arrogant" by his club's ultras group, before Brescia stated that their chairman Massimo Cellino's controversial comments regarding the striker were "clearly misunderstood".

"It frustrates me a lot to see that because you don't know what he is feeling," said Wijnaldum.

"With Balotelli it was not the first time it happened, so you don't know what he is feeling. Why don't you support him and walk with him from the pitch? Why don't you do that?

"They will say 'Don't let them get in your head', but they don't feel the pain of the person who gets racially abused."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50563309
 
Roma have said the 'Black Friday' headline used by Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport is "terrible".

The headline accompanied pictures of Roma defender Chris Smalling and Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku prior to Friday's match between their two sides.

"The intention of the newspaper article was actually positive," said Roma chief strategy officer Paul Rogers.

"But this headline has totally overshadowed the anti-racist message contained within the story."

In a social media post, Inter said: "Football is passion, culture and brotherhood. We are and always will be opposed to any form of discrimination."

Inter are the Serie A leaders on 37 points, while Roma are fifth on 28 points.

The article accompanying the headline called former Manchester United team-mates Lukaku and Smalling "the idols of Inter and Roma fans" and that their confrontation would be the "battle inside tomorrow's big game".

It added: "They [Lukaku and Smalling] have learned how to respect each other. They have taken strong stances against racism."

Rogers said: "Unfortunately, as we've seen on social media, more people will see that ill-judged headline on the front page than read the actual article and it creates new issues at a time when we are all trying to tackle the issue of racism in Italian football."

Corriere dello Sport has been asked by BBC Sport for a comment.

This is the latest controversy during a season in which Serie A has had to deal a number of incidents of racism.

Only last week, all 20 Serie A clubs have made a united pledge to combat Italian football's "serious problem" with racism because there is no more "time to waste".

In November, Brescia's Mario Balotelli called fans who shouted racist abuse at him "small minded" and "imbeciles".

Lukaku said the abuse he suffered in September, when Cagliari fans made monkey noises after the Belgian scored a penalty against their team, showed the game was "going backwards".

The Sardinian club were later cleared of racist chanting, leading the head of anti-discriminatory body Fare to say that Italian football authorities and their disciplinary systems to combat racism were "not fit for purpose".

In response to the headline in Corriere dello Sport, Fare said in a social media post that "the media fuels racism every day".

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50668979
 
Forest Green Rovers are investigating a report of racist abuse directed at a Scunthorpe United player during Saturday's game at the New Lawn
The match, which Scunthorpe went on to win 2-0, was temporarily stopped by referee John Busby, who spoke to managers Mark Cooper and Paul Hurst.

A stadium announcement was relayed to the crowd in the wake of the incident.

Rovers said a "single fan" was being investigated for comments directed at Scunthorpe player Jordan Clarke.

In a statement on Twitter, the high-flying League Two club added: "We do not tolerate racism, and the ongoing investigation will end with a lifetime ban if found guilty."

Scunthorpe manager Hurst said Clarke had not heard the alleged abuse himself, with comments being reported to the fourth official before being brought to the attention of referee Busby.

The Iron boss also added that there had not been any discussion about players walking off the pitch in response.

"Jordan hadn't heard the comment, it was aimed at him but my understanding at the time was that he hadn't heard the comment so therefore they didn't feel it necessary to take players off," Hurst told BBC Radio Humberside.

"It (racism in football) is something that is getting a hell of a lot of press, and rightly so, and can't be in the game."

Hurst said he was "disappointed" by the incident but also praised Rovers for their handling of the situation.

"Forest Green have been very good afterwards and during the game with what they could control," he continued.

"They have wanted to deal with this and that is all you can ask for. It was made clear it was one fan and is not a criticism of Forest Green Rovers as a football club at all."

Gilliead & Eisa fire Iron to victory

Earlier, Scunthorpe had stretched their winning streak to five games with fine second-half strikes from Alex Gilliead and Abo Eisa after Forest Green striker Matty Stevens had missed the chance to put his side ahead from the penalty spot.

Rovers dominated a dour first half punctuated by a moment of succinct fluidity - Liam Shephard and Jack Aitchison traded passes for Farrend Rawson to arrow in a strike which Rory McArdle cleared off the line in the 19th minute.

Rovers looked sure to break the deadlock but Stevens contrived to lift the ball over Jake Eastwood and on to the top of the crossbar with 29 minutes on the clock.

Scunthorpe eventually broke the stalemate in the just before the hour. Gilliead was afforded time and space to run unopposed and slam the ball beyond Lewis Thomas from the edge of the box.

Eisa made it 2-0 with a fierce 25-yard drive that flew into the top corner as the Iron upstaged the hosts on a controversial day despite finishing a man down with Levi Sutton sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50611202
 
Manchester City 1-2 Manchester United: Allegations of racist abuse as objects thrown at Fred
Manchester City have pledged to issue a lifetime ban to "anyone found guilty of racist abuse" after Manchester United players said they were targeted during Saturday's derby at Etihad Stadium.

City said they were "aware of a video circulating on social media" which seems to show a supporter making monkey gestures towards United players.

The incident happened when Fred went to take a corner in the second half.

The Brazilian also appeared to be hit by an object thrown at Etihad Stadium.

United won the game 2-1.

Anti-racism body Kick It Out says it has been "inundated" with reports of alleged racist abuse after the incidents were captured by television cameras.

"We hope swift action is taken to identify the offenders," Kick It Out said.

More than one United player said they had been abused after the game, with the Old Trafford club reporting their comments to referee Anthony Taylor and Manchester City.

Match report: Man Utd win dents Man City's title hopes
City said they are working with Greater Manchester Police to help them identify any individuals who were involved.

"The club operates a zero-tolerance policy regarding discrimination of any kind," City added.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: "I've seen it on the video and the fella must be ashamed of himself. It is unacceptable and I hope he won't be watching any football any more."

City manager Pep Guardiola said he does not want to see any more alleged racist abuse "happen again".

"It is a battle to fight every day. Unfortunately it has happened in many places," he said.

United forward Marcus Rashford, who was also playing when England's Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria was overshadowed by racism in October, called for more to be done to tackle the problem.

"The fact it is still happening is not good enough," he said.

"We seem to be speaking about it an awful lot over last six to eight months. Even speaking about it now is not nice.

"The necessary departments need to do the right things to stop it in the game. It is a big negative in the sport and the country."

With United leading 2-0, a number of objects were thrown by supporters in the home end when Fred went to take a corner in the 67th minute.

The Brazilian moved away from the corner flag before going back to take the set-piece.

City midfielder Fernandinho, along with other home players, urged the fans in that corner to calm down.

Play resumed a few moments later once referee Taylor picked up a number of objects in that area of the pitch.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50701717
 
Gary Neville criticises PM after fan accused of racism at Manchester derby

Football commentator and pundit Gary Neville blamed Boris Johnson’s election rhetoric on immigrants and immigration for fuelling the number of racist incidents in British society and sport.

Neville was speaking after the Manchester derby, which saw United defeat City 2-1. The result, however, was overshadowed by an incident during the second half of the game that appeared to show a City fan making a monkey gesture towards a United player.

Speaking on television afterwards, Neville linked the incident with the political leaders debate on the BBC on Friday evening.

“You are watching the prime minister’s debate where he is talking about migration to this country and people having to have certain levels. It fuels it all the time. It has got worse over the last few years in this country and not just in football,” said Neville, a former Manchester United and England international.

He added: “[This fan] thinks he can come to a game and racially abuse someone playing football. It is disgusting. It is terrible and something has to be done. It is not just about banning him from football. Everyone has a responsibility.”

He suggested English football has a greater responsibility after Gareth Southgate’s England team players were racially abused in Bulgaria earlier this year. “We always judge other countries on how they deal with racism but we are poor with dealing with it ourselves,” he said.

Manchester City said on Sunday night they were “aware of a video circulating on social media which appears to show a supporter making racial gestures” during the match.

The club also said they are “working with Greater Manchester Police in order to help them identify any individuals concerned”.

Manchester City said they operate a “zero-tolerance policy” regarding discrimination of any kind, adding that anyone found guilty of racial abuse will be banned for life.

They said they were also investigating an incident where objects were being thrown onto the pitch aimed at players.

After the game, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer spoke out strongly about the incident. “I’ve seen the video, heard from the players. We keep talking about it every bloody week. But he’s been caught on camera. He should, in my opinion, never be allowed into a football ground again. It is unacceptable.”

Manchester United made a formal complaint to the referee and their opponents after the game, it was revealed.

“I am sure that City and the authorities will deal with it. We keep talking about it every week and it doesn’t stop unless it’ll have consequences.”

Rival City manager Pep Guardiola said afterwards: “I support the statement the club has done. I am pretty sure the club and policemen are going to make the right decision for it not to happen again. Of course, it is a battle to fight every day, so unfortunately it happens in many places and hopefully it cannot happen again.”

Jesse Lingard, one of the United players at whom racist abuse was allegedly directed, said on social media last night: “Not even this idiot can ruin tonight’s feeling, shameful behaviour. It may be a derby but there is never ever a reason to be racist!”

Kick It Out, the campaign to rid football of racism, said last night it had been “inundated with reports of alleged racist abuse from a number of individuals at the Manchester Derby. We will be contacting both clubs to offer our support and hope swift action is taken to identify the offenders.”

The Professional Footballers’ Association condemned the alleged abuse: “We are disappointed by what appears to be racist abuse from fans at the Manchester derby. We welcome this prompt response from Manchester City. Racist abuse is a criminal offence and must be dealt with accordingly.”

League Two club Forest Green Rovers reported on Sunday night they were investigating a further incident of alleged racist abuse by a supporter of a player during their game with Scunthorpe United.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...ter-fan-accused-of-racism-at-manchester-derby
 
The Football Association will investigate allegations of racism after Manchester United players said they were targeted at Manchester City.

City said they were "aware of a video circulating on social media" which appears to show a supporter making monkey gestures towards United players.

They have pledged to issue a lifetime ban to "anyone found guilty of racist abuse".

The FA plans to speak to the clubs, referee Anthony Taylor and the police.

The incident in question happened when United midfielder Fred went to take a corner in the second half.

The 26-year-old Brazilian said it was a shame that such incidents still happen in 2019.

"We are still in a backward society," Fred told ESPN Brazil after the 2-1 win for Manchester United.

"Unfortunately, this is happening in some stadiums. It happened here, it happened in Ukraine with some friends.

"It's sad, but we have to keep our heads up and forget about that. We can't give them any attention because that's all they want. I spoke to the referee after the match, they will do something about it and that's all."

Fred also appeared to be hit by an object thrown at Etihad Stadium.

Anti-racism body Kick It Out says it has been "inundated" with reports of alleged racist abuse after the incidents were captured by television cameras.

"We hope swift action is taken to identify the offenders," Kick It Out said.

More than one United player said they had been abused after the game, with the Old Trafford club reporting their comments to referee Anthony Taylor and Manchester City.

City said they are working with Greater Manchester Police to help them identify any individuals who were involved. Greater Manchester Police said that no arrests had been made but that "enquiries into the incident are ongoing".

"The club operates a zero-tolerance policy regarding discrimination of any kind," City added.

The Professional Footballers' Association welcomed City's prompt response, adding: "Racist abuse is a criminal offence and must be dealt with accordingly."

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: "I've seen it on the video and the fella must be ashamed of himself. It is unacceptable and I hope he won't be watching any football any more."

City manager Pep Guardiola said he does not want to see any more alleged racist abuse "happen again".

"It is a battle to fight every day. Unfortunately, it has happened in many places," he said.

United forward Marcus Rashford, who was also playing when England's Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria was overshadowed by racism in October, called for more to be done to tackle the problem.

"The fact it is still happening is not good enough," he said.

"We seem to be speaking about it an awful lot over last six to eight months. Even speaking about it now is not nice.

"The necessary departments need to do the right things to stop it in the game. It is a big negative in the sport and the country."

With United leading 2-0, a number of objects were thrown by supporters in the home end when Fred went to take a corner in the 67th minute.

The Brazilian moved away from the corner flag before going back to take the set-piece.

City midfielder Fernandinho, along with other home players, urged the fans in that corner to calm down.

Play resumed a few moments later once referee Taylor picked up a number of objects in that area of the pitch.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50701717
 
A man has been arrested over allegations of racist abuse during the Manchester derby last night, police say.

At least two United players including Brazilian star Fred and England international Jesse Lingard are believed to have been targeted with abuse during the game at the Etihad Stadium, which also saw missiles thrown from the stands.

The Greater Manchester force said a 41-year-old man has been detained after a video posted on social media appeared to show a City supporter making a monkey gesture towards a United player

The suspect, who remains in custody for questioning, is being held on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order.

Superintendent Chris Hill said: "I would like to thank the public for their ongoing support with this incident.

"Racism of any kind has no place in football or our society and I hope this arrest shows that we are taking this matter extremely seriously.

"We will continue to work with Manchester City and Manchester United Football clubs on this incident and will investigate any other lines of enquiries."

Manchester City has already said any fans found guilty of racist abuse will be banned from the club for life.

English football's equality and inclusion organisation Kick It Out said it had been "inundated with reports of alleged racist abuse from a number of individuals" during the game, which United won 2-1.

https://news.sky.com/story/manchester-derby-man-held-over-racist-abuse-11881348
 
You should listen to the great John Barnes. He has it spot on, racism in football is a reflection of the society and how society pushes racism as acceptable.

England cannot point fingers at others, not just due to the history of their own hoolignaism and racism but the current wave taking place in the leagues of England.

Will the players walk off in the Premier League if they hear racist chanting or if they hear England fans being racist to the opposition? No they wont.

I agree, it's without doubt a society issue and its ingrained, specially in northern England where social and public cuts, rise in poverty and homelessness has made minorities being a cheap target, and its pure hypocritical for us to lambast other footballing countries when it's a major issue on our door step
 
Heung-Min Son: Tottenham and Burnley investigate alleged racial abuse by 14-year-old

Tottenham and Burnley are investigating alleged racial abuse aimed at Heung-Min Son by a 14-year-old spectator on Saturday.

The spectator was ejected from the stadium shortly after being spotted by stewards. Both clubs are seeking more information on the incident.

Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out have been in touch with Tottenham and Burnley to offer support and education to the fan.

The incident came as Son scored a goal-of-the-season contender as Tottenham hammered Burnley 5-0.
https://www.skysports.com/football/...vestigate-alleged-racial-abuse-by-14-year-old
 
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Manchester United to show equality on the pitch after the alleged racist abuse of some of their players during last Sunday's Premier League win at Manchester City.

A 41-year-old City fan was arrested after a video on social media appeared to show a man making monkey gestures.

"What we can do is go out onto the pitch next time and prove we are all equal," said United boss Solskjaer.

"This isn't how it should be in football."

Midfielders Jesse Lingard and Fred both appeared to be targets of abuse with the latter also hit by objects thrown from the crowd as he attempted to take a corner at City's Etihad Stadium.

"We have spoken with the boys of course," said Solskjaer. "It has been a tough couple of days for Jesse and Fred."

Manchester City condemned the abuse with Fred saying after the match that it is evidence that "we are still in a backward society".

"We are all the same regardless of skin colour, hair and gender," said Fred in an interview with ESPN Brazil.

"We came from the same place and we all go to the same place when it's all said and done.

"I have a lot of friends in the locker room who hugged me, like Lingard. I don't want to think about it. I just want to move on."

Still no date for Pogba return
Paul Pogba
Pogba will enter the final year of his United contract at the start of next season
Paul Pogba has not played for United since suffering an ankle injury in the draw with Arsenal in September.

The midfielder was initially expected to miss only two months, but his recovery was slowed by a setback.

Solskjaer admitted he was now not sure if the 26-year-old record signing would be back before the New Year.

"No. Too early," said the Norwegian when asked if Pogba could be involved in Thursday's final Europa League group match at home against AZ Alkmaar.

"We hope 2019."

United have already qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa League and will secure top spot in their group with a draw or better.

Analysis
BBC Sport's Simon Stone:

It has been 14 games and 10 weeks since Paul Pogba last played for Manchester United.

At recent news conferences, Solskjaer has been adamant Pogba would return at some stage during 2019.

Today that certainty wasn't there.

Instead it turned into 'hope'. Solskjaer has ruled Pogba out of Thursday's Europa League game against AZ Alkmaar. After that there are five more games left in 2019.

Rumours persist about Pogba's Old Trafford future and whether he will play for Manchester United again.

United officials continue to reject such talk but this won't make the speculation go away.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50742924
 
I'm also an England football fan, however the British were the first to adopt the Yob mentality, which had an influence on the rest of Europe - last night's events were a consequence of this.

What a load of nonsense
 
Serie A has used images of monkeys in an anti-racism campaign less than three weeks after its clubs pledged to combat Italian football's "serious problem".

The 'No To Racism' posters show three monkeys with painted faces.

The monkey artwork will be displayed at Serie A headquarters in Milan.

"Question for the league is how they can't see what a loaded and misguided collaboration this is for an anti-racism initiative," European football expert James Horncastle said.

"If you wondered why a select group of Serie A clubs are taking anti-racism into their own hands, faith in the league is sub-zero."

In November, Brescia's Mario Balotelli called fans who shouted racist abuse at him "small-minded" and "imbeciles".

Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku said the abuse he suffered in September, when Cagliari fans made monkey noises after the Belgian scored a penalty against their team, showed the game was "going backwards".

The Sardinian club were later cleared of racist chanting, leading the head of anti-discriminatory body Fare to say that Italian football authorities and their disciplinary systems to combat racism were "not fit for purpose".

Earlier this month Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport was criticised for the headline 'Black Friday' alongside images of Roma defender Chris Smalling and Inter striker Lukaku prior to a match between the sides.

At a news conference on Monday, artist Simone Fugazzotto, who always uses monkeys in his work, said: "For an artist there is nothing more important than trying to change the perception of things through his own work.

"I decided to portray monkeys to talk about racism because they are the metaphor for human beings. Last year I was at the stadium to see Inter v Napoli [a match in which Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly was racially abused] and I felt humiliated, everyone was shouting 'monkey' at Koulibaly, a player I respect.

"I've always been painting monkeys for five to six years, so I thought I'd make this work to teach that we're all apes, I made the western monkey with blue and white eyes, the Asian monkey with almond-shaped eyes and the black monkey positioned in the centre, where everything comes from. The monkey becomes the spark to teach everyone that there is no difference, there is no man or monkey, we are all alike. If anything we are all monkeys."

Serie A chief executive Luigi de Siervo said: "The League's commitment against all forms of prejudice is strong and concrete, we know that racism is an endemic and very complex problem, which we will tackle on three different levels; the cultural one, through works like that of Simone; the sporting one, with a series of initiatives together with clubs and players, and the repressive one, thanks to collaboration with the police."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50814275
 
AC Milan say they "strongly disagree" with and were not consulted about the use of monkeys in artwork for a Serie A anti-racism campaign.

The 'No To Racism' posters show three monkeys with painted faces.

It comes less than three weeks after clubs pledged to combat Italian football's "serious problem".

"Art can be powerful, but we strongly disagree with the use of monkeys as images in the fight against racism," said an AC Milan statement.

The club added they were "surprised by the total lack of consultation" over the artwork, which will be displayed at Serie A headquarters in Milan.

AS Roma also expressed their "surprise", adding: "We understand the league wants to tackle racism but we don't believe this is the right way to do it."

View more on Twitter
Former Premier League defender Sylvain Distin says he does not understand "how you can fight racism with something that looks like racism".

"It just doesn't make any sense to me, to the point that I went and tried to read as many interviews with the artist as I could," Distin told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"It's true that he did a lot of portraits and painting and art around monkeys for five or six years and, from what the artist was saying, it was just his way to say that we are all monkeys - but it just doesn't look right.

"I just really don't get it. Are they trying to make things so big that all the little incidents that happen every weekend in Italy just look normal? I don't understand what they expect, what kind of reaction do you expect with this kind of act? I just don't get it, I don't see the point."

At a news conference on Monday, artist Simone Fugazzotto, who always uses monkeys in his work, said: "For an artist there is nothing more important than trying to change the perception of things through his own work.

"I decided to portray monkeys to talk about racism because they are the metaphor for human beings. Last year I was at the stadium to see Inter v Napoli [a match in which Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly was racially abused] and I felt humiliated, everyone was shouting 'monkey' at Koulibaly, a player I respect.

"I've always been painting monkeys for five to six years, so I thought I'd make this work to teach that we're all apes. I made the western monkey with blue and white eyes, the Asian monkey with almond-shaped eyes and the black monkey positioned in the centre, where everything comes from.

"The monkey becomes the spark to teach everyone that there is no difference, there is no man or monkey, we are all alike. If anything we are all monkeys."

View more on Twitter
Anti-discriminatory body Fare said it was left "speechless" and the campaign looked like a "sick joke", while Kick It Out added the use of monkeys was "completely inappropriate".

Serie A chief executive Luigi de Siervo said the league's commitment against all forms of prejudice was "strong and concrete".

He added: "We know that racism is an endemic and very complex problem, which we will tackle on three different levels: the cultural one, through works like that of Simone; the sporting one, with a series of initiatives together with clubs and players; and the repressive one, thanks to collaboration with the police."

In November, Brescia's Mario Balotelli called fans who shouted racist abuse at him "small-minded" and "imbeciles".

Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku said the abuse he suffered in September, when Cagliari fans made monkey noises after the Belgian scored a penalty against their team, showed the game was "going backwards".

The Sardinian club were later cleared of racist chanting, leading the head of Fare to say that Italian football authorities and their disciplinary systems to combat racism were "not fit for purpose".

This month Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport was criticised for the headline 'Black Friday' alongside images of Roma defender Chris Smalling and Inter striker Lukaku prior to a match between the sides.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50820915
 
Racism in football is getting worse because "fans are more stupid than before", according to former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure.

Several incidents throughout Europe have been reported in recent months, with many high-profile cases occurring in Italy's Serie A.

"I've had a chat with Fifa because this is something very important," said the former Ivory Coast international.

"It will be difficult because the way to win this case is going to be long."

He added: "Fans, people, now are more stupid than before."

Last month, striker Mario Balotelli, Toure's former City team-mate, called fans who shouted racist abuse at him during a match between Brescia and Verona "small-minded" and "imbeciles".

Cagliari fans made monkey noises towards Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku earlier in the season, and recently Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport was criticised for the headline 'Black Friday' alongside images of Roma defender Chris Smalling and Lukaku.

There have also been incidents of racism in British top-flight football, with a man arrested after this month's Manchester derby for allegedly making a racist gesture.

Toure added: "Of course it is shocking because we are in 2019. In 2020, 2025 we have the kids coming through - what are we going to do? You can't continue like that."

A

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50860112
 
Footballers are facing a spike in racist abuse on and off the pitch, according to campaign group Kick It Out.

The number of racist incidents in football is expected to rise again this season, the group told Sky News.

Racism remains the most common form of discrimination in professional and grassroots football and this season has already seen high-profile incidents.

"The sense from everyone is that this is on a rise and that there's an increase," says Sanjay Bhandari from equality organisation Kick It Out.

Racism makes up 65% of all reported incidents in football, according to data collated by the group.

Last year, reports rose 43% and it isn't limited to the terraces; racism is also the most common form of football-related discrimination on social media, at 62%.

Kick It Out says social media is exacerbating the problem.

"That enables people to express views that have been long suppressed," says Mr Bhandari.

"Part of the rise in discrimination is down to identity politics, the rise of extremism, and the polarisation of society.

"And you combine that with things like automation, income inequality, people feeling they are left out or not heard.

"All of these factors seem to combine to create a toxic environment and that's exacerbated by the tone of the political discourse. It's much more extreme that it has been probably for 30, 40 years."

Prejudice and the national game
The recent Manchester derby threw a spotlight back on racism after a fan was seen making monkey gestures towards United players.

Fred, the team's midfielder, appeared to be hit by a lighter thrown from the crowd.

This abuse is not confined to the UK.

In October, the England team faced Nazi salutes and monkey chants from the Bulgarian crowd in Sofia and a large group of fans were thrown out of the stadium.

But enforcement measures and club bans can't solve the problem on their own.

"It will continue to occur within stadiums unless there's a collective response to sorting the problem out," says Shaun Currie, safety officer at Wigan Athletic.

Wigan Athletic invited Sky News to see their control room during a match against West Bromwich Albion.

Serious incidents are rare at Wigan - the last was a confrontation in March - but Mr Currie explains it is easier to identify a group than an individual when policing racism in the stands.

"It probably goes on at most games but it's probably unidentified because people are too frightened to actually point somebody out," Mr Currie explains.

"Where the stewards are located, if they're at the front of the stand, there's a lot of noise coming at them so it's difficult to identify one individual's shout or whatever."

But it seems intolerance of this abuse is on the rise too.

October's match between Haringey Borough and Yeovil Town was abandoned after reports of racism in the stands.

Last month, matches in Holland's top two divisions paused for a minute at the start of their games in protest over racism.

And last week Hertha Berlin's under-16 team left the field after claims they were being racially abused by their opponents.

Stopping play may turn out to be the most effective sanction of all, but there's pressure on authorities to do more in terms of educating fans.

In a statement, the FA said: "While only participants fall under the FA's jurisdiction, we investigate all reported forms of discriminatory abuse in English football, at every level of the game, and we work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the matter is dealt with appropriately.

"We strongly condemn all forms of discrimination and encourage all fans and participants who believe that they have been the subject of, or witness to, discriminatory abuse to report it through the appropriate channels: the FA, the club, the police or via our partners at Kick It Out."
https://news.sky.com/story/racist-incidents-in-football-on-the-rise-say-campaigners-11891620
 
21:07
Racism rears its ugly head again
Tottenham 0-2 Chelsea


Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

There has just been announcement over the public address system that "racist behaviour from spectators is interfering with the game."

Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger appeared to be the target after he was involved in Son's red card.
 
Tottenham 0-2 Chelsea: Racist behaviour appears to mar Premier League game

Tottenham's Premier League win over Chelsea appeared to be marred by racist behaviour from the crowd.

Referee Anthony Taylor stopped play in the second half after an object was thrown on to the pitch and he was approached by Blues defender Antonio Rudiger.

An address made over the public address system then warned "racist behaviour is interfering with the game".

Second and third announcements followed with the game heading towards its end.

Uefa's three-step protocol says that a game can be abandoned if fans have been warned twice before.

Tottenham forward Son Heung-min had been sent off after a clash involving Rudiger moments earlier.

In his post-match interview, Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta said: "It is made very clear to us all that if we have heard any racist incident to report it.

"Toni came to me and told me he was listening to racist songs towards him, so I reported it to the referee.

"We are very concerned and aware of the problems. Altogether we need to make it stop. I hope everything gets clear and we eradicate it as soon as possible. It's a problem not just in football but in life."

Speaking at the game, former Newcastle and Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas said: "With the technology they have in this stadium, I would be shocked if they could not pinpoint the individual.

"That person will be isolated and dealt with accordingly. There is no place for it but I want more than an announcement.

"I do not want them back in the stadium ever again - sadly some people are that ignorant."

A supporter was arrested and bailed over allegations of racist abuse against Manchester United players during their Premier League match at Manchester City on 7 December.

A video had been circulated on social media of a man appearing to make monkey gestures and sounds towards United players at Etihad Stadium.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50887592
 
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The Professional Footballers' Association has called for a government inquiry into racism in football after Chelsea's Premier League win at Tottenham was marred by alleged racist behaviour from the crowd.

Referee Anthony Taylor stopped play during the second half after Blues defender Antonio Rudiger complained of hearing monkey noises.

Tottenham have vowed to "take the strongest possible action" and said they will conduct "a thorough investigation".

Shortly after the stoppage, an announcement made over the public address system warned that "racist behaviour is interfering with the game".

Second and third addresses followed with the game heading towards its conclusion.

The PFA said: "We are disgusted and dismayed that once again, a Premier League fixture has been tainted by abuse from the stands towards players.

"It has become clear that football players are on the receiving end of the blatant racism that is currently rife in the UK, but they are not alone.

"The PFA stands beside every player who faces discrimination. We will continue to fight on their behalf to combat this issue for good.

"Football is part of the fabric of British society - with the huge global audience that English football attracts, we have a responsibility to lead the way with a zero-tolerance policy."

The PFA added that "all governing bodies" and "all football stakeholders" should work together to "confront, challenge and eradicate racist abuse in our stadiums and in our country".

It said: "The PFA calls for a government inquiry into racism within football and encourage the establishment of an All-Party Group at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport."

Spurs confirmed that they will be liaising with Chelsea and their players for their observations.

"Any form of racism is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our stadium," said Spurs in a statement.

"We take any such allegations extremely seriously and shall take the strongest possible action against any individual found to be behaving in such a way, including stadium bans."

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and Tottenham have confirmed that the game was stopped over a single incident of alleged racist behaviour.

Tottenham forward Son Heung-min had been sent off after a second-half clash involving Rudiger moments earlier.

The match was also held up when objects were thrown towards Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Rudiger has since tweeted: "It is really sad to see racism again at a football match, but I think it's very important to talk about it in public. If not, it will be forgotten again in a couple of days (as always).

"I don't want to involve Tottenham as an entire club into this situation as I know that just a couple of idiots were the offenders. I got a lot of supportive messages on social media from Spurs fans as well in the last hours - thank you a lot for this.

"I really hope that the offenders will be found and punished soon, and in such a modern football ground like the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with dozens of TV and security cameras, it must be possible to find and subsequently punish them.

"If not, then there must have been witnesses in the stadium who saw and heard the incident. It's just such a shame that racism still exists in 2019. When will this nonsense stop?"

In his post-match interview, Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta said: "It is made very clear to us all if we have heard any racist incident to report it.

"Toni came to me and he told me he was listening in the crowd [to] monkey noises and my job as a captain is to go straight to the referee and to report it.

"We are very concerned and aware of the problems. All together we need to make it stop. We have to work together towards the eradication of the problem. It's an issue in life and football unfortunately and we have to keep working hard."

Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho reiterated that view in his post-match interview on Sky Sports.

"I saw nothing. I saw the referee follow the protocol, he came to [fourth official] Andre Marriner, he came to me and Frank Lampard and told us what was happening," he said.

"The protocol was followed and we are one of the clubs; every club is together on this situation and of course we are disappointed."

Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld added: "It does not belong in football. I hope they find the individuals quickly because it is not good and we are all sick of it."

Speaking at the game, former Newcastle and Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas said: "With the technology they have in this stadium, I would be shocked if they could not pinpoint the individual.

"That person will be isolated and dealt with accordingly. There is no place for it but I want more than an announcement.

"I do not want them back in the stadium ever again - sadly some people are that ignorant."

Anti-racism organisation Kick it Out later released a statement on Twitter.

It read: "We are aware of the alleged racist incidents at today's game between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

"We applaud the reaction of referee Anthony Taylor in following step one of the protocol and the ensuing steps taken by Tottenham Hotspur in repeating the stadium announcements.

"We have offered our support to both of the clubs and also to Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger."

A year of shame
The incident comes a year after racism in football hit the headlines after Manchester City striker Raheem Sterling was subjected to racist abuse at Stamford Bridge in December 2018, which led to a permanent ban for a Chelsea supporter.

Sterling was also one of a number of England players who faced monkey chants and Nazi salutes in Euro 2020 qualifiers this year.

A supporter was also arrested and bailed over allegations of racist abuse against Manchester United players during their Premier League match at Manchester City on 7 December.

A video had been circulated on social media of a man appearing to make monkey gestures and sounds towards United players at Etihad Stadium.

Serie A's 'No To Racism' campaign - which arrived off the back of a number of racist incidents in Italy - has been widely condemned after they commissioned posters showing three monkeys with painted faces.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50887592
 
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The Sky Sports host David Jones has apologised for “shutting down” discussion of an alleged racist incident that occurred during Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The game was marred by controversy after the Chelsea defender Antonio Rüdiger was allegedly subjected to racist abuse by a section of the crowd.

Gary Neville was applauded for saying the Premier League needed to “stand up” to the problem. The former England player said that while critics were quick to point out racist incidents occurring abroad, “we have a racism problem in the Premier League in England and the Premier League have got to stand up, they hide behind the FA [Football Association] on this issue”.

Neville added that racism in football was mirrored in UK politics and criticised both the Conservatives and Labour for not doing enough to stamp out racism in their parties.

Jones interrupted Neville’s speech to say: “I am compelled to say, they are the views of you, Gary Neville, and not those of Sky Sports, that is my duty.”

Jones later apologised on Twitter and clarified that it was Neville’s comments about racism in politics from which he had been distancing Sky Sports.

“I’m so sorry to have spoiled what was such an important discussion on racism tonight. I had to intervene when Gary suggested the two main political parties were to blame – I didn’t make that clear enough. For that I apologise unreservedly,” he wrote on Twitter.

“I would never purposefully shut down a discussion on racism. I’ve worked for Sky for over 20 years and know they share my view that racism of any kind should not be tolerated. That is not a debate. And that’s why I’m so very disappointed and sorry tonight.”


Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville said: “We’ve just had a general election in this country where both main parties, and the leaders of both main parties, are accused, constantly over the last month, of fuelling racism and accepting racism within their parties. If it’s accepted in the highest office in the country, we’re not talking about it at a micro level, we are talking about it at … the highest office in the country.”

After Jones interrupted, Neville asked: “Do you not agree with me, Dave?” to which Jones replied: “Whether I do or I don’t is completely irrelevant, I’m here to try and hold a balanced debate.”

Neville countered: “That was balanced.”

Neville’s comments were praised by former footballers, including Ian Wright, who said his remarks were “spot on”, Gary Lineker, who applauded him, saying “well said” and David Preece, who tweeted: “Gary Neville gets this dead right, but again the caveat of balance is added right at the end, as if to isolate his opinion. We don’t need balance in cases of racism.”

The shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, tweeted his support of Neville’s comments, saying he agreed fully. “The Premier League and FA have to start taking more effective action against homegrown racism at matches in this country. We thought we had largely eradicated this scourge but there have been too many new incidences taking place in recent games.”

He did not comment on Neville’s remarks about the accusations of racism within the Labour party.

The former rugby player Brian Moore wrote: “Can’t understand the Sky presenter … saying he is there ‘to try and hold a balanced debate’ when they are discussing racist abuse towards football players. Are there two sides to this?”

The discussion followed an incident when Rüdiger appeared to indicate a supporter had shouted a monkey chant at him, and an announcement over the PA system at the stadium told the crowd that “racist behaviour is interfering with the game”.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...-shutting-down-racism-discussion-gary-neville
 
Players should be "empowered" to walk off the pitch in response to racist abuse, according to Gary Neville.

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger reported being targeted by monkey chants during the second half of Sunday's 2-0 win at Tottenham.

Former England defender Neville said: "Maybe we have to empower the players to walk off the pitch and stop the entertainment while it is happening.

"We have a racism problem in the Premier League in England."

Following Rudiger's complaints, there were three stadium announcements saying that "racist behaviour among spectators is interfering with the game" in response to that one incident.

Uefa's three-step protocol for racial abuse ends with the officials abandoning a match if announcements inside a stadium do not stop the problem.

The Professional Footballers' Association has subsequently called for a government inquiry into racism in football.

Neville played in the England team with fellow Sky Sports pundit Ashley Cole who, along with Shaun Wright-Phillips, was subjected to racist abuse during a 2004 friendly against Spain in Madrid.

He told Sky Sports: "Ashley was abused at the Bernebeu in a game I played in and probably did not give it a moment's thought really.

"We are thinking it as football players, then ultimate you hear about it when there is a media storm, with calls for UEFA, for FIFA, for the Spanish authorities to deal with it... similarly recently with Bulgaria [against England].

"I did not walk off the pitch when Ashley was abused 15 years ago, and you might argue that now it's OK for me to sit here in my ivory tower of a commentary box and suggest that players should walk off the pitch.

"Ultimately I would be as ashamed of myself for not doing 15 years ago as I would be absolutely proud of players for doing it now, to empower them to think... do something about it and take it into your own hands."

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has said he would be "100 per cent behind" his players if they wanted to walk off the pitch amid any future incidents.

"In terms of walking off the pitch, it would depend what the players were feeling and saying," he said.

"But I would be, absolutely, 100% behind them and I'm sure it would be a group decision. But we're not there yet, so it's hypothetical to a degree.

"Of course I'll support Toni as we would support any of our players, or in fact any opposition players. Wherever this happens it needs to be dealt with.

"If it happened and it's fact, then punishment is needed and it needs to be strong."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/50891410
 
Players should be "empowered" to walk off the pitch in response to racist abuse, according to Gary Neville.

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger reported being targeted by monkey chants during the second half of Sunday's 2-0 win at Tottenham.

Former England defender Neville said: "Maybe we have to empower the players to walk off the pitch and stop the entertainment while it is happening.

"We have a racism problem in the Premier League in England."

Following Rudiger's complaints, there were three stadium announcements saying that "racist behaviour among spectators is interfering with the game" in response to that one incident.

Uefa's three-step protocol for racial abuse ends with the officials abandoning a match if announcements inside a stadium do not stop the problem.

The Professional Footballers' Association has subsequently called for a government inquiry into racism in football.

Neville played in the England team with fellow Sky Sports pundit Ashley Cole who, along with Shaun Wright-Phillips, was subjected to racist abuse during a 2004 friendly against Spain in Madrid.

He told Sky Sports: "Ashley was abused at the Bernebeu in a game I played in and probably did not give it a moment's thought really.

"We are thinking it as football players, then ultimate you hear about it when there is a media storm, with calls for UEFA, for FIFA, for the Spanish authorities to deal with it... similarly recently with Bulgaria [against England].

"I did not walk off the pitch when Ashley was abused 15 years ago, and you might argue that now it's OK for me to sit here in my ivory tower of a commentary box and suggest that players should walk off the pitch.

"Ultimately I would be as ashamed of myself for not doing 15 years ago as I would be absolutely proud of players for doing it now, to empower them to think... do something about it and take it into your own hands."

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has said he would be "100 per cent behind" his players if they wanted to walk off the pitch amid any future incidents.

"In terms of walking off the pitch, it would depend what the players were feeling and saying," he said.

"But I would be, absolutely, 100% behind them and I'm sure it would be a group decision. But we're not there yet, so it's hypothetical to a degree.

"Of course I'll support Toni as we would support any of our players, or in fact any opposition players. Wherever this happens it needs to be dealt with.

"If it happened and it's fact, then punishment is needed and it needs to be strong."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/50891410

Its obviously a society issue, which is unfortunately imbreded, and it rears its ugly head typically in times of economical difficulties, definitely the main culprits are the native europeans
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It is really sad to see racism again at a football match, but I think it's very important to talk about it in public. If not, it will be forgotten again in a couple of days (as always). (1/4)</p>— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) <a href="https://twitter.com/ToniRuediger/status/1208886754390007808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I don't want to involve Tottenham as an entire club into this situation as I know that just a couple of idiots were the offenders. I got a lot of supportive messages on social media from Spurs fans as well in the last hours - thank you a lot for this. (2/4)</p>— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) <a href="https://twitter.com/ToniRuediger/status/1208886993167552519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Government prepared to take 'further steps' over racism in football

The government says it will not rule out taking "further steps" if football authorities fail to deal with racism.

Play was stopped during Chelsea's win at Tottenham on Sunday after Antonio Rudiger said he heard monkey noises.

The Professional Footballers' Association has called for a government inquiry following the alleged abuse.

"Racism of any kind has no place in football or anywhere else and we must confront this vile behaviour," said a Downing Street spokesperson.

"Clearly there remains more work to be done by the football authorities in tackling this issue and we are committed to working with them on this to stamp it out.

"The FA, Premier League and English Football League have significantly stepped up their efforts, but we expect them to continue to prioritise this issue and to consult with both players and supporter groups, and we will be monitoring how the football authorities implement their plans through the season.

"We will continue working with the authorities on this, including the Professional Footballers' Association and we don't rule out taking further steps if required."

Cheslea centre-back Rudiger reported the alleged racist abuse from the crowd to his captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who told referee Anthony Taylor and the game was stopped.

Shortly after the stoppage, an announcement made over the public address system warned that "racist behaviour is interfering with the game".

Second and third addresses followed with the game heading towards its conclusion.

The Metropolitan Police is working with Tottenham to identify anyone responsible, with the club promising to "take the strongest possible action".

Iffy Onuora, the Professional Footballers' Association's equalities coach told BBC Sport that racism has increased in the UK since Brexit referendum.

"There is upheaval following the [Brexit] referendum and the election and that's caused this fracture," he said.

"That emboldens people. It's been legitimised by some of the language from the politicians. We lost an MP only four years ago and we think that was such a seminal moment but that's been and gone and we've used that as a moment to think what are we doing here.

"Things have got worse if anything and how can that be? Somehow we have to look at this differently and be bolder."

The FA said: "We are working with the match officials, the clubs and the relevant authorities to fully establish the facts and take the appropriate steps."

Speaking in August, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the organisation was "determined to tackle discrimination".

"One incident is one incident too many," added Masters. "We want to encourage fans when they see other supporters making discriminative comments, abusing other people they do report it and that's important."
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50893279
 
Government prepared to take 'further steps' over racism in football

The government says it will not rule out taking "further steps" if football authorities fail to deal with racism.

Play was stopped during Chelsea's win at Tottenham on Sunday after Antonio Rudiger said he heard monkey noises.

The Professional Footballers' Association has called for a government inquiry following the alleged abuse.

"Racism of any kind has no place in football or anywhere else and we must confront this vile behaviour," said a Downing Street spokesperson.

"Clearly there remains more work to be done by the football authorities in tackling this issue and we are committed to working with them on this to stamp it out.

"The FA, Premier League and English Football League have significantly stepped up their efforts, but we expect them to continue to prioritise this issue and to consult with both players and supporter groups, and we will be monitoring how the football authorities implement their plans through the season.

"We will continue working with the authorities on this, including the Professional Footballers' Association and we don't rule out taking further steps if required."

Cheslea centre-back Rudiger reported the alleged racist abuse from the crowd to his captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who told referee Anthony Taylor and the game was stopped.

Shortly after the stoppage, an announcement made over the public address system warned that "racist behaviour is interfering with the game".

Second and third addresses followed with the game heading towards its conclusion.

The Metropolitan Police is working with Tottenham to identify anyone responsible, with the club promising to "take the strongest possible action".

Iffy Onuora, the Professional Footballers' Association's equalities coach told BBC Sport that racism has increased in the UK since Brexit referendum.

"There is upheaval following the [Brexit] referendum and the election and that's caused this fracture," he said.

"That emboldens people. It's been legitimised by some of the language from the politicians. We lost an MP only four years ago and we think that was such a seminal moment but that's been and gone and we've used that as a moment to think what are we doing here.

"Things have got worse if anything and how can that be? Somehow we have to look at this differently and be bolder."

The FA said: "We are working with the match officials, the clubs and the relevant authorities to fully establish the facts and take the appropriate steps."

Speaking in August, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said the organisation was "determined to tackle discrimination".

"One incident is one incident too many," added Masters. "We want to encourage fans when they see other supporters making discriminative comments, abusing other people they do report it and that's important."
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50893279

:))

The Prime Minister is racist and was voted in by millions.

UK just need to accept the country now has a large percentage of racists. Footballers also need to accept this, take their 200k a week and live with it.

No one is walking off in the Premier league.
 
Antonio Rudiger: Tottenham say investigation into alleged racist abuse 'inconclusive'
Tottenham say their initial findings following the alleged racist abuse of Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger are "inconclusive" but a "thorough" investigation will continue.

Play was stopped during Chelsea's win at Spurs on Sunday after Rudiger said he heard monkey noises.

"We have engaged lip readers to study the footage and contacted Chelsea for further information from their players," Spurs said in a statement. "The police will be reviewing our evidence alongside us."

The club added: "Please be assured we shall be exhaustively investigating this matter."

Spurs said they are able to "track every fan" using cameras at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and that any supporter found to be guilty of racism will "receive a lifetime ban".

"This club has a proud track record of anti-racism work across all our communities and we are determined to ensure that we conduct a thorough investigation," the club added.

"At this time however we should point out that our findings are inconclusive and would ask that comment is reserved until the facts are established."

'Repeated announcements created misconception'
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta told referee Anthony Taylor of Rudiger's complaint during the second half of Sunday's fixture.

Three announcements over the public address system warned that "racist behaviour is interfering with the game" between the incident and full-time.

The Uefa protocol says if a message over the public address system does not stop the racist abuse in a stadium, a second announcement should follow and the temporary suspension of play should be enforced.

If discriminatory behaviour continues, authorities can decide to abandon the fixture.

Spurs said the fact they repeated the announcement created a "misconception" that the issue was ongoing in their stadium.

The club added: "In respect of protocols - when the incident was conveyed to the referee Anthony Taylor, he took the decision to call for the implementation of Stage 1 of the Uefa protocol - rather than the Premier League protocol - and asked for an announcement to be made, as well as requesting a further announcement which created a misconception that any issue was ongoing.

"The Premier League protocol differs from Uefa protocol in that it does not call for an announcement rather that the individual(s) be dealt with by the Safety Team in the first instance.

"We have asked that the Premier League clarifies the position regarding the use of these protocols to all stakeholders going forward."

In the aftermath of the incident, the Professional Footballers' Association called for a government inquiry.

The government has not ruled out taking "further steps if required".

On Monday, a host of Premier League managers were asked about the issue, with Newcastle's Steve Bruce stating he was "sickened and saddened by it", while Manchester City's Pep Guardiola said it will take "a lot of time" to "eradicate" the issue.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/football/50898486?__twitter_impression=true
 
:))

The Prime Minister is racist and was voted in by millions.

UK just need to accept the country now has a large percentage of racists. Footballers also need to accept this, take their 200k a week and live with it.

No one is walking off in the Premier league.

Footballers don't need to accept it though. As major celebrities who are pretty much irreplaceable, they are in a unique situation of influence that ordinary ethnic citizens aren't. Because football is such a big sport in England, the media find comments about racism in Britain deeply embarrassing.

Also, racism hasn't just sprung out of nowhere in the last decade, it was always there, only underground. The difference between now and the past, is that although there is a section of the country which believes it is legitimate, there is also a big section which finds it abhorrent. That wouldn't have been the case 50 years ago.

Where we are going is the question. Whereas many sit-coms of the 70's and 80's are now considered politically incorrect to show, you do wonder if that might change. Citizen Khan was a PC attempt at a throwback to shows like Mind your Language. There is an appetite for straight talking which has allowed quotes like those you mentioned from our Prime Minister.
 
One thing is clear - raising awareness, education, banning spectators, token representation etc - have completely failed in tackling racism.

The definition of racism has been distorted, butchered, and blurred by the left, and until we stop this political correctness madness, racism will always seem prevalent and on the rise.
 
Footballers don't need to accept it though. As major celebrities who are pretty much irreplaceable, they are in a unique situation of influence that ordinary ethnic citizens aren't. Because football is such a big sport in England, the media find comments about racism in Britain deeply embarrassing.

Also, racism hasn't just sprung out of nowhere in the last decade, it was always there, only underground. The difference between now and the past, is that although there is a section of the country which believes it is legitimate, there is also a big section which finds it abhorrent. That wouldn't have been the case 50 years ago.

Where we are going is the question. Whereas many sit-coms of the 70's and 80's are now considered politically incorrect to show, you do wonder if that might change. Citizen Khan was a PC attempt at a throwback to shows like Mind your Language. There is an appetite for straight talking which has allowed quotes like those you mentioned from our Prime Minister.

Spot on. People just do not realise that racism has always existed but the difference these days is social media, and since anyone with a phone is a reporter, this leads to the impression racism is on the rise.

The irony is that the very reporting of racism - from the political correctness of the left to the far right - provides a platform for racists. Remove the platform, and the racists will be devoid of attention.

Society must expose the true definition of racism, discrimination based on race, and quit giving time to wishy washy lefty definition of racism.

Do you remember a program called Mind your language? It never did any harm, but today it wouldn't see a TV channel because the left deem the show to be racist.

The left are the biggest danger to society, anyone who disagrees, is a racist etc.
 
Footballers don't need to accept it though. As major celebrities who are pretty much irreplaceable, they are in a unique situation of influence that ordinary ethnic citizens aren't. Because football is such a big sport in England, the media find comments about racism in Britain deeply embarrassing.

Also, racism hasn't just sprung out of nowhere in the last decade, it was always there, only underground. The difference between now and the past, is that although there is a section of the country which believes it is legitimate, there is also a big section which finds it abhorrent. That wouldn't have been the case 50 years ago.

Where we are going is the question. Whereas many sit-coms of the 70's and 80's are now considered politically incorrect to show, you do wonder if that might change. Citizen Khan was a PC attempt at a throwback to shows like Mind your Language. There is an appetite for straight talking which has allowed quotes like those you mentioned from our Prime Minister.

Not sure what your point is here.

Society has racists, in the past, in the present and will be so in the future. How should football respond? Carry on playing and accept your society has racist elements. What other option is there? They will not walk off beccause this would mean they might need to walk off in every game.

Do you have any suggestions on how to stop footballers facing racist abuse on the field of play?
 
Tottenham say investigation into alleged racist abuse 'inconclusive'

Tottenham say their initial findings following the alleged racist abuse of Antonio Rudiger are "inconclusive" - but a Chelsea fan has been arrested for allegedly abusing Son Heung-min.

Play was stopped during Chelsea's win at Spurs on Sunday after Chelsea's Rudiger said he heard monkey noises.

Spurs said they are "exhaustively investigating" the incident.

Meanwhile, police arrested a Chelsea fan for a racially aggravated public order offence against Spurs' Son.

A total of six arrests were made as part of the Metropolitan Police operation at the fixture but none were linked to the incident involving Rudiger.

"We have engaged lip readers to study the footage and contacted Chelsea for further information from their players," Spurs said in a statement. "The police will be reviewing our evidence alongside us."

The club added: "Please be assured we shall be exhaustively investigating this matter."

Spurs said they are able to "track every fan" using cameras at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and that any supporter found to be guilty of racism will "receive a lifetime ban".

"This club has a proud track record of anti-racism work across all our communities and we are determined to ensure that we conduct a thorough investigation," the club added.

"At this time however we should point out that our findings are inconclusive and would ask that comment is reserved until the facts are established."

In a separate statement, the Premier League said it would support both clubs "in their pursuit of any perpetrators and call for appropriate action to be taken by the authorities and the clubs".

'Repeated announcements created misconception'
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta told referee Anthony Taylor of Rudiger's complaint during the second half of Sunday's fixture.

Three announcements over the public address system warned that "racist behaviour is interfering with the game" between the incident and full-time.

The Uefa protocol says if a message over the public address system does not stop the racist abuse in a stadium, a second announcement should follow and the temporary suspension of play should be enforced.

If discriminatory behaviour continues, authorities can decide to abandon the fixture.

Spurs said the fact they repeated the announcement created a "misconception" that the issue was ongoing in their stadium.

The club added: "In respect of protocols - when the incident was conveyed to the referee Anthony Taylor, he took the decision to call for the implementation of Stage 1 of the Uefa protocol - rather than the Premier League protocol - and asked for an announcement to be made, as well as requesting a further announcement which created a misconception that any issue was ongoing.

"The Premier League protocol differs from Uefa protocol in that it does not call for an announcement rather that the individual(s) be dealt with by the Safety Team in the first instance.

"We have asked that the Premier League clarifies the position regarding the use of these protocols to all stakeholders going forward."

In the aftermath of the incident, the Professional Footballers' Association called for a government inquiry.

The government has not ruled out taking "further steps if required".

On Monday, a host of Premier League managers were asked about the issue, with Newcastle's Steve Bruce stating he was "sickened and saddened by it", while Manchester City's Pep Guardiola said it will take "a lot of time" to "eradicate" the issue.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50898486
 
A Spanish second division match which was abandoned at half-time after Rayo Vallecano fans chanted that Albacete forward Roman Zozulya was a "Nazi" will resume behind closed doors.

The Spanish Football Federation gave Rayo an 18,000 euro (£15,333) fine and a two-match partial stadium closure.

Zozulya joined Rayo on loan in 2017 but the deal was cancelled after fans said the town was "not a place for Nazis".

The Ukraine international has always denied links with far-right groups.

A date for the second half of the game, which was abandoned on 15 December, has not yet been set.

A Spanish Football Federation statement said the fixture had been abandoned because of "banners and chants" aimed at Zozulya, 30, by one section of Rayo supporters.

It was the first time in Spanish football that a match has been abandoned because of offensive chanting.

In an open letter to Rayo fans in 2017, Zozulya claimed "a misunderstanding by a journalist who knows very little about the reality of my country and my own career" led to the belief he was involved in the far-right movement in Ukraine.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50927884
 
Rangers believe Alfredo Morelos was "racially abused" during Sunday's match against Celtic.

The striker, 23, was sent off near the end of Rangers' 2-1 win at Celtic Park.

"We would expect now that all measures will be taken to identify and deal with those responsible," said a Rangers spokesperson.

Celtic say they have "received no reports of any racial abuse but would fully investigate any should these be brought to our attention".

And Police Scotland say they have received no complaints.

The Ibrox side's victory moved them to within two points of Premiership leaders Celtic, with a game in hand to play in the new year.

Colombia international Morelos was pictured drawing a hand across his neck in an apparent throat-cutting gesture as he left the field following his dismissal.

Celtic said they were "aware of the gestures made by the player towards Celtic supporters".

But Rangers had said in an earlier statement on their website it was "a gesture used commonly throughout South America to indicate quite simply that something - in this case, the match - is finished".

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50951507
 
Three men have been arrested on suspicion of acts of hate crime during Brighton and Hove Albion's match against Chelsea on New Year's Day.

The alleged incidents happened at Brighton's Amex Stadium on Wednesday as the two sides battled to a 1-1 draw.A 21-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of homophobic abuse and has been released on conditional bail until 29 January.

A 21-year-old man from East Preston, West Sussex, was also arrested on suspicion of homophobic abuse and has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

A 56-year-old fan from Portslade, Brighton, was also arrested on suspicion of racist abuse and has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

The arrests were made by police officers working alongside club stewards.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/three-ar...l-match-between-brighton-and-chelsea-11899843
 
Brescia striker Mario Balotelli said Lazio fans should be ashamed of themselves after alleged abuse during the sides' Serie A match.

A stadium announcement was made during the game urging fans not to sing discriminatory songs.

Balotelli, 29, posted a message on his Instagram account following the match - a 2-1 win for Lazio.

"Lazio fans present at the stadium today, shame on you," Balotelli wrote, with the hashtag #saynotoracism.

Former Manchester City and Liverpool striker Balotelli had opened the scoring for Brescia with Serie A's first goal of 2020.

The Italy international also scored Italian football's first goal of the previous decade in January 2010, while he was at Inter.

Balotelli threatened to walk off the pitch in November when he was subjected to racist abuse in a match against Hellas Verona.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51002180
 
Tottenham say there is no evidence to support allegations of racism from Spurs fans towards Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger during their Premier League encounter on 22 December.

Play was stopped during Chelsea's win at Tottenham after German defender Rudiger said he heard monkey noises.

A Spurs statement said the club and the Metropolitan Police had "now exhausted all avenues of investigation".

Spurs added that the police had closed the crime report on the matter.

The Tottenham statement added: "We fully support Antonio Rudiger with the action that he took - however there is no evidence to corroborate or contradict the allegation and as such neither ourselves nor the police are in a position to take any further action."

A total of six arrests were made following the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as part of the Metropolitan Police operation at the fixture, but none were linked to the incident involving Rudiger.

One Chelsea fan was arrested for a racially aggravated public order offence against Spurs forward Son Heung-min, who was sent off in the match after a collision with Rudiger.

Spurs said they are able to "track every fan" using cameras at their new 62,062 stadium and that any supporter found to be guilty of racism would "receive a lifetime ban".

The club said they worked with professional lip readers in their investigations and that all reports had also been reviewed by the police.

Their statement continued: "We are fiercely proud of our anti-racism work and our zero tolerance of any form of discrimination. This is one reason why we have attributed so much time and resource to investigating this matter.

"Had we identified anyone guilty of this we were intent on issuing them with a lifetime ban from our stadium as they would have no place among our proud, diverse fan base.

"If any new information comes to light, this will be fully investigated."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51012632
 
Lazio have been fined 20,000 euros (£16,958) for their fans' racist abuse of Brescia striker Mario Balotelli.

Sunday's Serie A match was temporarily halted and a stadium announcement made during the game urging away fans not to sing discriminatory songs to Balotelli.

Balotelli, 29, later said the fans should be ashamed of themselves.

The Serie A judge has asked for further details to be given to the Italian Football Federation prosecutor to decide if more sanctions are necessary.

Balotelli had opened the scoring in the game, which Lazio went on to win 2-1, before fans twice chanted racial abuse in the first half.

Afterwards, Lazio said in a statement: "As always, Lazio dissociates in the most taxing way from the discriminatory behaviour carried out by a very small minority of fans during the match against Brescia.

"The club once again reiterates its condemnation of such unjustified misconduct and confirms its intent to prosecute those who in fact betray their sporting passion, causing serious damage to the image of the club."

Balotelli threatened to walk off the pitch in November when he was subjected to racist abuse in a match against Hellas Verona.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51039696
 
The Football Association's Paul Elliott has called for the government to work alongside the sport's governing bodies to combat racism.

Statistics compiled by football anti-discrimination campaigners Kick It Out suggested there had been a 43% increase in racist abuse in English football in 2018-19 from the previous season.

"We in football are giving off a message about zero tolerance," said the FA's inclusion advisory board chief.

"The government has to be alongside."

In December, the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) called for a government inquiry into racist abuse which followed alleged racist behaviour in the match between Tottenham and Chelsea.

Elliott added: "There has to be a duty of care because the by-product of speaking out will be the positive impact and the positive behaviour in stadiums, which will then have a domino effect on societal behaviour.

"With the utmost respect, this is one area where there has to be a united front - we must be together."

The government's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said in a statement: "Racism or any form of discrimination has no place in football or society, and we must confront this vile behaviour.

"We are completely committed to working closely with football on tackling racism.

"The FA, Premier League and English Football League set out before the start of the season how they are taking further steps to address this issue. We are monitoring how their plans progress and are in regular dialogue with the football authorities throughout the season."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51097348
 
La Liga wants the Spanish Football Association to punish Espanyol with a partial stadium closure after Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams said he was racially abused at their ground.

After the 1-1 draw on Saturday, Williams, 25, said: "No black player or any player ever wants to hear that."

La Liga is attempting to identify the fans involved and bring criminal charges of hate crimes against them.

The Spanish FA is scheduled to discuss the issue at a meeting on Wednesday.

La Liga is also working on plans to allow players to report abusive chants to a referee, who can then take action.

Espanyol said they were investigating "incidents of a racist nature uttered by a few against Inaki Williams".

In a statement, the Barcelona-based club said: "Espanyol strongly and explicitly condemns any sign of racism on soccer fields."

It has been reported that Williams told Athletic captain Iker Muniain about the abuse, who then informed referee Jose Sanchez Martinez.

"No black player or any player ever wants to hear that," Williams told the Athletic Bilbao website after the game.

"It's completely out of order, people should go to matches to enjoy themselves, to support their team; football is a team sport and should be played in a friendly atmosphere.

"It's a sad day because of these incidents which have no place in football."

In a separate incident to that involving Williams on Saturday, there were violent clashes outside the Mestalla Stadium before Valencia's win over Barcelona.

La Liga said in a statement it would "study ticket sales and possible changes of how tickets are sold, especially online" as part of new measures to combat racism and violence at games.

It added: "La Liga wishes to express its rejection and profound concern with respect to the incidents that occurred, acknowledging that measures put in place several years ago must be improved.

"Although there has been a decline of insults, incidents and violent attitudes in and outside football stadiums, Saturday's events mean those measures are no longer sufficient."



https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51261123
 
Porto forward Moussa Marega walked off midway through his side's win at Vitoria Guimaraes, saying he was subjected to racist abuse from fans.

Marega, 28, started to walk towards the dugouts in the 69th minute, nine minutes after scoring what would prove the winner in Porto's 2-1 victory.

He pointed his thumbs down and also raised his middle fingers to the crowd.

Team-mates and opposition players tried to persuade him to stay on, but he was eventually substituted.

In an Instagram post, Marega said the home supporters "who come to the stadium to make racist screams" were "idiots".

Porto boss Sergio Conceicao said: "We are a family regardless of nationality, skin colour, hair colour. We are human, we deserve respect. What happened here is unfortunate.

"We are completely indignant about what happened. I know the passion that exists for Vitoria and I think most of the fans do not see themselves in the same attitude of some people who have insulted Moussa since the warm-up."

Porto's match report on their website described it as "a sad situation that should make the Guimaraes club and Portuguese football blush with shame".

Team-mates including Alex Telles, Sergio Oliveira and Ivan Marcano all tried to stop Marega walking off the pitch, grabbing the Malian player around the waist - but he pushed everyone aside on his way to the tunnel.

Marega spent a season on loan at Vitoria in the 2016-17 campaign, scoring 15 goals in 25 games.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51526210
 
The BBC has cut ties with a football pundit after he singled out Derby County's "young black lads" for criticism.

Former Derby midfielder Craig Ramage was speaking on BBC Radio Derby's Sportscene podcast after the Rams' 1-1 draw with Huddersfield on Saturday.

He told the podcast: "When I look over and I look at certain players, their body language, their stance, the way they act, you just feel, 'whoa, hold on a minute - he needs pulling down a peg or two'.

"So I'd probably say that about all the young black lads."

Ramage's remarks drew immediate criticism from fans and players, including Derby defender Max Lowe, who said he was "shocked" by the comments.

On social media, Lowe said: "I have decided to speak out on behalf of black footballers at Derby County.

"Racial ignorance, stereotyping and intolerance negatively affects the image of impressionable young footballers and creates an unnecessary divide in society.

Duffield murder: Man charged as pictures released of of stabbed couple

"I am also disappointed that a public service broadcaster did not step in to ask the analyst to explain his reasoning, or to distance themselves from these archaic thoughts."

DERBY, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Max Lowe of Derby County during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and Millwall at Pride Park Stadium on December 14, 2019 in Derby, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Image:
Max Lowe said he was disappointed the BBC didn't 'distance themselves from these archaic thoughts'
He went on: "As a professional footballer at an ambitious, high-profile Championship club I know that my performances will be scrutinised and I have no problem with that whatsoever - but I do not think it is acceptable... to be judged by the colour of our skin.

Ramage later apologised "unreservedly" on Twitter, saying his comments were "wholly inappropriate and unintentional".

"Race is irrelevant to the issues that I was discussing and I deeply regret what I said. I sincerely hope that the players accept my apology," he said.

"I would like to reiterate my heartfelt apology not only to the players but also the fans that have listened to me over the past seven years and also to those that followed me throughout my career. I would like to reinforce that this error in no way reflects my personal views."

Despite his apology, a BBC spokesperson said: "These were entirely unacceptable comments and we will no longer be working with Craig."

https://news.sky.com/story/bbc-sack...sm-of-derby-countys-young-black-lads-11936257
 
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