UEFA to stamp out racism

Anti-racism campaigners believe UEFA are stepping up their efforts to stop players being subjected to abusive taunts.

They say that European football’s governing body are now adopting a hard-line policy to try and eradicate the problem.

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry accused a section of the PSV Eindhoven crowd of making racist remarks last night in Holland.

UEFA are investigating the incident and have already launched an inquiry into allegations that Liverpool and Fulham players were taunted in Valencia and Split.

Piara Powar, spokesman for Kick It Out (Let’s Kick Racism Out Of Football), says he has seen a shift in UEFA’s attitude.

“Once they just used to read the referee’s report and the delegates report. If they didn’t mention any incident that was usually the end of the matter,” he said.

“Now they listen to outside witnesses, people like the venue director last night, journalists and fans.

“I think UEFA realise that racism is a blight on the game and something they are keen to stamp out.”

However Powar realises there is a lot work to be done to get their message across.

“There is still a huge problem across Europe,” he said. “We need all the European associations and the leading clubs to look into the situation.

“We are working with UEFA to raise awareness of the problem. One of the things being suggested is for our organisation to hold training sessions with match observers.

“We are also planning to host a conference in which we will invite the national associations across Europe and top clubs.

“At the moment it is not something that is on the horizon but in the early stages.”