The FA must consider closing stadiums and banning clubs after a “shocking” number of incidents of racism this season, according to anti-discrimination campaigner Piara Powar.
West Ham and the police are investigating after a video emerged in which a man can be heard directing Islamophobic abuse at Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.
The abuse, which took place as Salah prepared to take a corner during Monday’s 1-1 draw at the London Stadium, is the latest racist incident at London clubs.
In December Raheem Sterling was abused by a Chelsea fan during a match at Stamford Bridge, a week after a Tottenham fan threw a banana skin at Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The FA has also opened a probe into alleged racist chanting from a section of Millwall supporters during their 3-2 FA Cup win over Everton last month.
Powar, executive director of the anti-discrimination body FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe), said: “The number and frequency of recent incidents at London clubs is quite shocking.
“I do not think it is a crisis for multicultural London but it may be a crisis for football and the way it is dealing with these issues. What I think is missing is firmer action by the FA. They must use the powers they have to close stadiums and ban and fine clubs. FA regulations allow for it but these measures are never used.”
Read More
MORE ABOUT