FA takes tough racism stance

Lord Triesman to hold discussions with Blatter

Last updated: 7th October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

FA takes tough racism stance

Campbell: Suffered verbal abuse

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Football Association chairman Lord Triesman believes Tottenham fans who verbally abused Sol Campbell at Portsmouth should not be allowed to return to White Hart Lane.

Triesman, a Tottenham supporter, believes it is vital that action is taken against individuals who targeted former Spurs defender Campbell.

The 34-year-old left Tottenham for North London rivals Arsenal in 2001, much to the annoyance of the White Hart Lane faithful.

Campbell joined Pompey two years ago but still receives criticism from Tottenham followers, and Triesman believes the obscenities at Fratton Park cannot go unpunished.

Ban

"I abhor the treatment of Sol Campbell by supporters of a club that I have loved and supported all my life," he said.

"I hope the individuals will be identified and, if appropriate, banned from Tottenham's ground."

He later added: "The supporters responsible have let their club down in a way that is totally unacceptable. I wouldn't have them in the ground again."

Triesman has also revealed he will be meeting Fifa president Sepp Blatter following the racist chants directed at Emile Heskey when England met Croatia in September.

Blatter talks

Croatia were fined £15,000 for the abuse directed at Heskey in Zagreb and Triesman is eager for further talks with Blatter.

"I intend to seek an early meeting with Sepp Blatter to discuss the response to racism," said Triesman.

He later added: "I want to make sure that the response to instances of racist abuse are dealt with fully and effectively.

"Fifa imposes its own fines and takes its own decisions, but we'd meet our obligations to players who are either black or from a different religious group if we make sure at international level we all understand the seriousness of racism to the same extent.

"It will be helpful for me to have a discussion about the way Fifa deals with racism."