Anti-racism campaigner wants Toon punished
Published Date:
02 December 2008
ANTI-racism campaign group Kick It Out has called for stern action against Newcastle after Middlesbrough striker Mido was subjected to Islamophobic chants at the weekend.
Egypt international Mido was targeted by United fans as he warmed up during Saturday's goalless Tyne-Tees derby at the Riverside Stadium.
Mido suffered similar abuse during Newcastle's last visit to Boro a year ago, but a Football Association investigation did not result in any banning orders due to difficulties in identifying culprits.
Both clubs were encouraged to take steps to avoid a repeat.
Kick It Out director Piara Powar believes the Football Association needs to act strongly this time.
He said: "This is the second consecutive season that we've seen Newcastle supporters directing Islamophobic abuse at Mido. This time both the FA and the police should act.
"It's time a message went out loud and clear to Newcastle fans that calling a Muslim a terrorist, a shoe bomber, or whatever else they think is funny this week, is against the law, and can have serious implications for them personally and the club they support."
The FA has also expressed its concern and hopes the clubs will be able to find the individuals concerned.
An FA spokesman said: "Our position on these matters always is that any individuals who are identified and found guilty of discriminatory chanting, we will be calling for them to be banned.
"The responsibility lies with the police and the clubs to identify individuals responsible. We'll be liaising with them to make sure that happens."
Cleveland Police have confirmed 14 arrests were made at the game, 11 of which were inside the stadium.
However, they have not said whether any were related to the incidences of offensive chanting.
Middlesbrough have not made an official statement, but manager Gareth Southgate said after the game that while he wants the perpetrators punished, he does not think the club as a whole should suffer.
A spokesman for Newcastle said: "The club does not condone any sort of offensive chanting."
The full article contains 342 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
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Last Updated:
02 December 2008 7:38 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
South Shields