White Hart Lane

Next Game

Tottenham v Sunderland

Sunday, 19 May 2013, 16:00

Barclays Prem

Britannia Stadium

Last Game

Stoke City 1 - 2 Tottenham

Sunday, 12 May 2013, 13:30

Barclays Prem

Bernstein slams Spurs abuse

Football Association chairman David Bernstein has condemned the racist abuse directed towards some Tottenham players in their Europa League game with Inter Milan on Thursday night.

Last Updated: 15/03/13 at 14:53 Post Comment   

David Bernstein: Condemned racist abuse directed towards Tottenham players

David Bernstein: Condemned racist abuse directed towards Tottenham players

Emmanuel Adebayor was the main target of abuse from Inter fans in the San Siro, with the Togo striker scoring the extra-time goal that saw Spurs advance on the away goals rule after a 4-1 defeat on the night left the tie level at 4-4.

Despite ongoing attempts by UEFA and FIFA to eradicate racism in football, the problem persists and Bernstein admits the regularity of such abuse is a concern.

"I condemn the racist abuse that Tottenham Hotspur players suffered at last night's Europa League fixture in Milan," Bernstein said in a statement on the FA's website.

"It is unacceptable and concerning that clubs in Europe have had to endure recurrences of abuse this season.

"I am sure UEFA will take appropriate action but it also reminds us of the need to work collectively across national and international football authorities to deal with this serious issue, as we are also doing in this country.

"This is a matter I will take up as a priority with the new FIFA anti-racism and discrimination task force when I meet its head Jeffrey Webb in the near future."

Inter Milan have been in trouble in the past for the actions of some sections of their support.

They were fined £43,000 for waving inflatable bananas and unfurling abusive banners aimed at Mario Balotelli and team-mate Sulley Muntari in last month's Milan derby.

The club was also handed a £12,900 fine after sections of their support directed racist chants towards Balotelli during a game against Chievo.

UEFA has been criticised in some quarters for what many regard as unsatisfactory punishments concerning racism, although it did recently order Lazio to play two games behind closed doors in the wake of repeated incidents of racist chanting among their support.

But Anti-racism group Kick It Out has called on European football's governing body to step up their efforts to combat the problem.

"This trend of black players representing English clubs abroad being roundly abused in this way, needs to be dealt with," said Kick It Out chair Lord Herman Ouseley.

"Again, it appears that the match officials have failed in their duty to protect the players under their watch.

"Campaigning groups like Kick It Out, particularly in the face of domestic issues here in the UK, can only do so much.

"Unless UEFA does more on the issue, we stand still."

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

I

m starting to think Roman may never actually be happy at the top level. If he wants all conquering fancy football I wonder if he'd be better off buying a lower division side then paying outlandish salaries to attract high caliber players too good for the division.

john matrix
The Most Unsatisfying European Victory...

R

afa has to be favourite for the Everton job now, surely :) He'll realise his ambition to live and work on Merseyside again, get the best out of whoever plays for them, maybe win some cups and be thoroughly loathed by the toffee fans. What's not to like? Go ead, Ken, gimajob!

captbusby
Benitez basks in final glory

T

hat is arguably the least inspiring England I have ever seen. There is not a single name in that list that makes me think I might actually want to watch this team. Not a one.

harry hotspur
Carroll back in England squad

Footer 365

Premier League: Newcastle owner Mike Ashley offers £1m incentive for victory over Arsenal

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will share out £1m between the club's non-football staff if they beat Arsenal on Sunday.

Emotional Beckham says goodbye

David Beckham was in tears as he left the pitch after playing what could be the final game of his career as Paris Saint-Germain beat Brest 3-1.

Clichy signs new City deal

Manchester City have confirmed that Gael Clichy has signed a new four-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Mail Box

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

Without Posh, Becks Could Have Been Scholes

That's one opinion, but others give their thanks to the man. We also have ideas for a relegation playoff, happy memories of the season and a defence of Liverpool's campaign...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved