Rosenior urges UEFA to get tough on racism

UEFA’s efforts to stamp out racism have been branded “absolutely pathetic” by the father of England Under-21 full-back Liam Rosenior.

Liam Rosenior witnessed team-mates Nedum Onuoha and Justin Hoyte being subjected to racist abuse from supporters and players in the recent 2-0 victory over Serbia at the European Under-21 Championships.

The maximum ban UEFA can hand out to any player found guilty of racism offences is five matches and Sierra Leone coach Leroy Rosenior believes the punishment is derisory.

“UEFA’s reaction to what happened is absolutely pathetic. We’re talking about racism here, not somebody swearing,” the 42-year-old former Torquay boss told BBC Radio Five Live’s Sportsweek show.

“UEFA seem to be treating it as a swearing offence but this is racism and it’s something that needs to be stamped out of the game.

“There must be a zero-tolerance policy on racism. When someone does it the first time, we should make sure it’s the last time.

“A five-match ban is not strong enough and doesn’t send out a strong enough message to supporters. The zero tolerance policy must start now.”

UEFA director of communications William Gaillard revealed the incidents will be investigated next month and defended his organisation’s stance on racism.

“On July 12 we will be dealing with both incidents – the issue of the supporters and we’ll try to find out what happened in the tunnel,” he said.

“We need proof before we can punish anybody. We have statutes and rules. We believe a five-match ban is enough.

“When we set the statutes we did so in agreement with the non-governmental organisations that deal with racism.”