Heskey would back fan ban

Emile Heskey urged UEFA to find a solution to the racist chanting which marred England’s 2-1 win over Slovakia in Bratislava.

And the Liverpool striker, who had to contend with racist abuse throughout the match, said he would support a ban for Slovakia fans for the return Euro 2004 qualifier on June 11.

“They (UEFA) will have to do something,” Heskey told Sky Sports News.

“You could hear the abuse. It was very loud, especially in the second half. Police were around but they seemed to be doing nothing about it so what can you do?

“A lot was said in the dressing room, they (the players) could not believe it.

“At club level we never get that. Playing in Europe we get bits but that was some of the worst stuff we have been subjected to.

“You feel hurt that they are looking at you for your colour, not you as a person.

“It’s very hard when that’s happening but sometimes you’ve just got to shut it out and try to put in a good performance. You go out to win the games and that gets to them.

“You want to go and perform really well and show them what you can do and hopefully change their views.”

UEFA are investigating events on Saturday night and Heskey, asked if he would back a ban on Slovakian fans travelling to England for the home leg next year, said: “Yes, I would support that.”

Football Association director of communications Paul Newman said: “We have produced a report to UEFA which includes photographic evidence and it’s now a matter for them.

“The penalties that are imposed is the key to all this now. UEFA’s disciplinary body have to decide what’s appropriate. It wasn’t one or two people, it was the whole stadium and that’s not acceptable.”

Asked about the police response to the fighting among the crowd, Newman replied: “It is a matter for UEFA but there did seem to be a very heavy police reaction which drew complaints from some fans. That’s not to say of course that everyone behaved impeccably.

“Sven was most concerned about the amount of crushing that was going on. That led to a lot of difficulties.”