Football news - Racist fans face stronger penalties under Government discrimination review
ByPress Association
Updated 26/02/2019 at 08:16 GMT
Punishments handed to racist football fans could be ramped up under a widespread Government review of discrimination in the sport.
Football fans
Image credit: Getty Images
Efforts will also be made to bring more people from black and ethnic minority backgrounds into football jobs, including coaching and management, as part of the proposals.
Sports minister Mims Davies chaired a parliamentary summit of football executives, former players and charities to draw up plans to tackle discrimination and improve diversity.
They also include closer partnerships between police and football authorities to improve identification and sanctioning of offenders.
Football chiefs will "look at the current sanctioning regime and consider if improvements are needed to further act as a deterrent" as part of the review.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2019/02/26/2531620-52531110-2560-1440.jpg)
Punishments handed to racist football fans could be ramped up
Image credit: Getty Images
Stamping out other forms of abuse, including homophobia and anti-Semitism, also forms part of the talks.
The proposals have been backed by the FA, the Premier League and the EFL, which all had representatives at the summit on Monday.
A joint statement from the three bodies said "recent events have demonstrated that there is clearly much more to do" to oust racism. It added:
Today we committed to enhancing our work in this area, and developing new initiatives to improve black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) representation across the game to supplement those already in existence.
"We all acknowledged the responsibility we have in using our popularity and reach to encourage passionate but positive support of teams and players, and to continuing to ensure that inclusion is at the centre of all our grassroots and community programmes across the country."
Recent incidents include alleged racist abuse of Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling when his side faced Chelsea in December.
Millwall supporters were also allegedly heard making racist chants during the side's FA Cup win over Everton in January.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2019/02/26/2531618-52531070-2560-1440.jpg)
Millwall faced Everton in the FA Cup in January
Image credit: Getty Images
Other plans raised at the summit, attended by former players including Shola Ameobi and Nigel Reo-Coker, include improving on-the-pitch reporting of incidents and support for stewards.
Ms Davies said: "Whilst progress has been made in tackling discrimination in football over the past 30 years, more needs to be done to promote diversity and inclusion in the game.
Complacency is not an option. We have a duty of care to take a zero-tolerance approach and stamp out discriminatory behaviour.
"I'm encouraged by how football has come together today and committed to doing more, through positive action.
"This is just the first step, but by working together and taking responsibility we can help ensure that there is inclusivity at every level of the game."
A report published last year by the League Managers Association said only 7.61 per cent of head coaches were BAME individuals and the proportion of referees was even lower.
Scan me
Related Topics
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement