UEFA in spotlight over song

Emmanuel Adebayor
12 April 2012

UEFA were pondering their next move after anti-racism campaigners Kick It Out contacted the organisation to express concern over the abuse suffered by Emmanuel Adebayor during Real Madrid's defeat of Tottenham.

Adebayor was the victim of offensive chants during Tuesday night's Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Bernabeu, leading to allegations of racism against Spurs fans. Tottenham have denied the abuse was racist and are unlikely to face any action from UEFA, who confirmed there was "nothing in the delegate's report" that would trigger an investigation.

But Kick It Out have been in touch with UEFA, with chairman of the organisation Lord Herman Ouseley, saying: "Racist abuse is not as prevalent as it has been in the past, but there are unhealthy trends, such as immigrant hysteria, creeping back during these austere times."

He added: "Kick It Out, with its partners, the governing bodies, the fans and players, has made a difference and will continue to progress towards achieving fairness in football.

"We would urge Emmanuel not to be defeatist and join us to take action, to beat this scourge and to make the playing and watching environment, and atmosphere, better for everyone."

A club whose supporters are deemed guilty of racist chanting can be fined a minimum of £20,000 but Spurs will not be charged unless UEFA receive official notification of an offence from stadium security or the police.

The club accept the abuse directed at on-loan Manchester City forward Adebayor - who scored twice in Real's 4-0 crushing win on Tuesday - was offensive.

But they are adamant the chant which contains the words, "Your dad washes elephants, your mother's a whore", is not racist in nature.

A spokesman said: "The chant referred to has been previously discussed with the Crown Prosecution Service, who do not consider it racist.

"We shall continue to remind our fans that we do not tolerate any form of obscene or abusive chanting."

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