Racism in football: EP calls for racism to be given the boot

The European Parliament today adopted a declaration on tackling racism in football. Commenting on the adoption of the declaration, Cem Özdemir, German Green MEP and co-sponsor of the declaration said:

"Racism has no place in our society but its prevalence in high-profile sports, like football, is all the more deplorable. In light of the serious instances of racism in European football matches, the European Parliament has strongly condemned racism in football, both on the pitch and off.

"While organisations like FARE and UEFA should be praised for their work in countering this blight on their sport, there is a need for stronger, more concerted initiatives to outlaw racism in football. Referees should be mandated by UEFA and all competition organisers to stop or abandon matches in the event of serious racist abuse. In addition, UEFA and other football authorities should consider sanctions against football clubs or national associations, whose players or supporters have been involved in serious racist incidences, including bans for persistent offenders.

"Celebrity does not come without responsibility: high-profile players and managers should publicly denounce racism on a regular basis. Racism in football should be treated with the seriousness it merits."

Source: www.greens-efa.org/cms/pressreleases/dok/114/114599.racism_in_football@en.htm