UEFA threatens clubs with expulsion

European politicians and UEFA have warned clubs, players and national associations they face expulsion from the game if they are found guilty of sustained racism.

The warning came at the European Parliament in Brussels yesterday where MEPs are being asked to back a bid by European soccer's ruling body to "blow the whistle on racism".

UEFA vice-president Per Ravn Omdal told Reuters that clubs should not tolerate racism in any form.

"Clubs, players and associations who are found guilty will be punished severely and will be thrown out of the game if necessary," the Norwegian said.

Omdal joined five members of the European Parliament and former Chelsea defender Paul Elliot later yesterday in urging other MEPs to sign a written declaration on racism in football.

If they are successful in getting at least half the parliament to sign the declaration then it will become binding.

UEFA wants to give referees more authority to deal with incidents.

"Referees will be given the necessary power to abandon or cancel matches if necessary," Omdal said.

"We need referees and match officials to be tough on this issue. If they have been asleep then they need to wake up."

The latest initiative comes days after Messina's Zoro, an Ivory Coast defender, was reduced to tears after being subjected to racist chants in a match against Inter.

Zoro picked up the ball and planned to hand it to the fourth official as he walked off.

However, Adriano and Obafemi Martins, Inter's Brazilian and Nigerian forwards, calmed Zoro down and apologised for the fans' behaviour.

They persuaded Zoro that to leave the field to the racists was a precedent soccer could ill afford.

Italian Cup matches on Tuesday and yesterday started five minutes late so a "No To Racism" banner could be unfurled. The same is due to happen at all Serie A matches this week.

The Spanish FA was fined last year for racist chants by home fans directed at England's Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole during a friendly. Spain coach Luis Aragones was also fined for racist remarks about Arsenal striker Thierry Henry during a training camp.

Nenad Jestrovic became the first player to be dismissed in a Champions League game for alleged racist remarks he made playing for Anderlecht against Liverpool last month. He was banned for three matches by UEFA.