Spain fine 'too lenient' - PFA

Spain are on a final warning that any repeat of the racist abuse of England players may lead to their national team playing a match behind closed doors or even being thrown out of a major tournament such as the World Cup.

However, that threat was not enough to satisfy critics who believe FIFA’s fine of just under £45,000 (€64,670) following last month’s appalling scenes in Madrid was little deterrent.

“I think the general feeling in England will be one that the sanction is far too lenient, and I would be one of those who thinks that way,” said Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association.

“The Spanish FA have been given a yellow card, not the red that many would have expected.

“But a point has been made by FIFA, and I have been encouraged by the comments of Sepp Blatter about racism – both after the game and at the World Player of the Year awards.

“The Spanish FA may consider themselves to have been lightly treated and they have an opportunity to get their house in order.”

Piara Powar, director and spokesman for Kick It Out, added: “This judgement doesn’t go far enough.

“We would have expected the Spanish to be forced to play behind closed doors and warned about any incidents of racism at future games.

“The extent and the impact of what happened at the Bernabeu was so far-reaching and so important that FIFA needed to send out a clear and decisive message that there is no excuse for any country that doesn’t meet the challenge of tackling racism.”

FIFA had vowed in their statement that “the Spanish football association or its relevant representative team may be forced to play behind closed doors or face exclusion from FIFA competitions if these offences are repeated“.

However, Powar insisted: “That cuts little ice. We are talking about one of the major European football nations here. This is not an impoverished football association.

“They could afford a heavier fine, they should have been made to play behind closed doors, which as a footballing nation is the worst that can happen. It kills the atmosphere and revenue is lost.

“The chanting that night was deeply offensive and demeans human beings. This is simply not good enough by FIFA. It shows some governing bodies do not have a concerted approach to dealing with racism.”

FIFA had embarked on a month-long investigation into the widespread racist abuse hurled at several England players, most notably Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole, during the match in the Bernabeu on November 17.

This followed similar, albeit lower-profile, taunts aimed at England Under-21 players the previous evening, and the FA immediately expressed their horror at the abuse.

Indeed, while the FA were last night publicly steering a diplomatic path in accepting FIFA’s judgement, senior FA figures were said to be “stunned” at the Spanish authorities escaping with a fine and final warning.

An FA statement read: “Following the deplorable acts of racism which occurred in Madrid last month, the FA expressed its strong views and concerns to FIFA, UEFA and the Spanish Federation in writing.

“At that time, the FA stated very clearly that it was ultimately FIFA’s responsibility to determine what disciplinary action should be taken.

“The FA must accept FIFA’s decision to fine the Spanish FA 100,000 Swiss Francs.

“The FA is firmly committed to fighting racism in football at all levels of the game. We will continue to adopt a zero tolerance approach to any racist behaviour in English football and whenever any of our teams play abroad.

“Racism is the scourge of the game and it is the responsibility of all who care about football to do everything within their power to eradicate it.”