Lee Hoos, QPR CEO, calls on UEFA to take the "strongest possible action" while FIFA said on Thursday that they will "look into the matter" when they have been passed on the relevant information
Tuesday 20 August 2019 10:35, UK
Queens Park Rangers U18s walked off the pitch during a recent friendly in Spain after suffering alleged racist abuse from opposition players.
The side were on a tour of Spain - playing against Sevilla, Cadiz and Nerviron - with the alleged abuse of "a number of the QPR players" coming against Nerviron on Thursday, August 8.
Lee Hoos, QPR CEO, has called upon UEFA to take a tougher stance against racism after one of his players informed QPR U18s boss Paul Furlong of the incident, a protocol introduced after a recent Kick It Out equality session.
"We take a very strong stance against racism and will not tolerate one of our players being subjected to the despicable comments experienced," Hoos said in a statement.
QPR confirmed they are currently in contact with the FA about the alleged abuse and Hoos called on UEFA to take the "strongest possible action".
"I applaud Paul Furlong and his staff for reacting in such a manner and doing everything within their powers to protect the players," the statement added,
"I am also very proud of our Under 18s who showed such maturity in the face of unacceptable provocation.
"Had this incident occurred in England I have no doubts the issue would be dealt with swiftly with a strong punishment by the FA.
"Unfortunately, it seems some countries have a long way to go in this respect and I urge UEFA to take the strongest possible action as incidents of this nature are happening far too often.
"At QPR we must not, and will not, stand for it."
Hoos added: "There is an opportunity here for UEFA to make a strong statement. I hope it is an opportunity they take."
UEFA maintains the fight to eliminate racism, discrimination and intolerance from football is a major priority for the governing body, with discriminatory behaviour not tolerated in any of its competitions.
All incidents occurring in domestic matches fall under the jurisdiction of the relevant national association, while those occurring in friendly matches fall under the jurisdiction of world governing body FIFA.
Kick It Out said in a statement: "We will always back players and teams who leave the pitch after suffering significant discriminatory abuse, especially if they have followed the correct protocols.
"We have been in constant communication with the club (QPR) since this incident and will continue to support all football clubs and players in the fight against discrimination in the game."
Meanwhile, FIFA released a statement of their own on Thursday, which read: "At the time of writing, FIFA hasn't received any information in relation to this matter.
"Should we receive such information, for example a claim or through an official report including this issue we will look into the matter.
"Generally speaking, FIFA's position on discrimination is very clear: we are fully engaged in combating any form of discrimination not only in football but in society in general and we support any effort in this field."
