The Professional Footballers’ Association has called for a government enquiry into the problem of racism in football after allegations of abuse against Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger during the Blues’ 2-0 win over Spurs on Sunday.
The centre-half reported hearing monkey chants from the crowd in the second half shortly after Son Heung-min was given his marching orders after being adjudged to have kicked out at Rudiger.
Following the German international’s complaint, there were multiple announcements made at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium stating that racist behaviour from some fans was interfering with the game (FourFourTwo).
This incident follows similar problems in other Premier League games this campaign including the Manchester derby a couple of weeks ago where one fan was caught on camera racially abusing Manchester United midfielder Fred (BBC).
On the back of the incident on Sunday, the PFA posted a series of tweets that called for immediate action to be taken to solve the menace.
The statement read, “Following the events at today’s Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea game, we are disgusted and dismayed that once again, a Premier League fixture has been tainted by abuse from the stands towards players.
“Racism has no place in football or society. It is deeply disappointing that some fans continue to display vulgar racist gestures and chants from the stands.
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“It has become clear that football players are on the receiving end of the blatant racism that is currently rife in the UK, but they are not alone. The PFA stands beside every player who faces discrimination. We will continue to fight on their behalf to combat this issue for good.
“Football is part of the fabric of British society. With the huge global audience that English football attracts, we have a responsibility to lead the way with a zero-tolerance policy.
“Racist abuse in football is not just an issue for black and ethnic minority players, it is an issue for everyone who loves the game.
“Whilst the protocols in place ensured stadium announcements were executed today, we need to ensure the perpetrators are identified and dealt with according to the law.
“We believe that the time has come for all governing bodies to unite collectively to end this abuse.
“The PFA calls for a government enquiry into racism and the rise in hate crime within football and immediate and urgent action from an All-Party Group at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to address this urgent issue.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Let’s hope the investigation proceeds quickly, the culprits are caught and punished for their despicable acts. While there will always be one or two idiots who engage in behaviour like this, I believe the onus is also on the other fans to call out anybody racially abusing players at football grounds.
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