FA To Introduce Specific Racism Sanctions
David Bernstein, chairman of the Football Association, has confirmed that specific sanctions for players found guilty of racism are being discussed, and should be put in place soon, in a bid to counter discrimination in the sport.
The FA has already proposed an action plan for tackling racism in football, with foreign players set to take cultural lessons and anti-discrimination clauses could also start appearing in contracts.
The introduction of lessons follow the controversial case last year involving Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.
Suarez was eventually banned for eight games by the FA, but while the Liverpool striker admitted to using the term in question, he claimed that the word was not racist and was widely used in his home country of Uruguay.
The FA dismissed the argument, but seem to have acknowledged the cultural differences amongst a league that includes so many nationalities – with 60% of Premier League players from overseas.
Discussions are now taking place to decide on the exact punishment and the minimum game ban for such an offence.
Bernstein, who is set to step down as FA chairman in July 2013, also revealed to BBC Sport that he has spoken to players including Rio and Anton Ferdinand on the matter.
