Eto'o calls for tougher measures to combat racism

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o wants tougher punishments for racist abuse after being subjected to insults in a league match against Real Zaragoza.

"We need exemplary punishments," the Cameroon international told a news conference yesterday. "Maybe it would make people think again if they closed the Zaragoza stadium for a year and made them play all their matches away from home."

Eto'o tried to leave the pitch during last Saturday's match having been targeted for racial abuse by Zaragoza fans, but Barca coach Frank Rijkaard persuaded him to play on.

"It wasn't just a few fans, it was practically the whole stadium," Eto'o said. "I decided to stop playing because they were attacking me because of my colour.

"What made me go back was the boss telling me that the best way to shut them up was to beat them. That is the only thing that made me change my mind."