2024-01-21T14:49:14+00:00
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/ The President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, stressed on Sunday the need to tighten penalties on teams whose fans issue racist abuse, against the backdrop of two incidents that occurred yesterday, Saturday.
Casey Palmer, a Coventry City player, was subjected to a racist gesture during the match against Sheffield Wednesday, while Milan players walked out in solidarity after Mike Maignan reported monkey sounds from a section of Udinese fans, according to the Emirati website “Erm News”.
In a post on the “X” platform, Infantino said that he believes there should be stricter penalties for clubs whose fans commit racist abuse.
The statement published by Infantino on behalf of the International Federation said: “The events that took place in Udinese and Sheffield on Saturday are completely abhorrent and completely unacceptable. There is no place for racism or any form of discrimination, whether in football or in society. The players affected by Saturday’s events… They have my full support.”
“We need all relevant stakeholders to take the necessary measures, starting with education in schools so that future generations understand that this is not part of football or society,” he added.
He continued, “In addition to the three-step process (stopping the match, re-stopping the match, canceling the match), we must implement an automatic penalty for the team whose fans committed racism and caused the match to be cancelled, as well as stadium bans around the world, and criminal charges for racists.”
Infantino stressed, “FIFA and football show their full solidarity with the victims of racism and any form of discrimination, once and for all: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination.”
Casey Palmer reported to referee Anthony Backhouse that a fan had made gestures towards him, which led to the game being stopped.
The 27-year-old appeared upset after the final whistle, and Palmer spoke about the abuse, writing: “I’m disappointed to even have to come here and write this.”
He added: “Racism is a disgrace. It has no place in the world, let alone football. I am black and proud. I’ll be honest. It seems like things will never change, no matter how hard we try.”
He stressed: “The ones who make the ‘monkey’ noises do not define the fan base. I appreciate all the love and support I have received.”