Kick It Out urges FA to take action after reports of racist attacks

The Football Association is under pressure from anti-discrimination campaigners to take action after a fresh flurry of racist abuse on the opening weekend of the season.

Fulham defender Cyrus Christie alleged his sister was hit and verbally abused by a Cottagers fan during their Championship match at Barnsley on Saturday, and Southend striker Theo Robinson claimed he was attacked at Coventry City.

In a statement calling for action by clubs and football authorities, the charity Kick It Out also said James Mcclean, of Stoke, and Barnsley’s Bambo Diaby were subjected to abuse.

The anti-discrimination body said: “These incidents should be a reminder for everyone in football that racism and discrimination Allegation: Cyrus Christie says his sister was hit and racially abused by a Fulham fan

cannot be ignored. Clubs and the football authorities must be relentless in calling out this disgraceful behaviour and be prepared to issue strong sanctions and education sessions to any supporter involved. We have contacted the clubs to offer our support to the players, are liaising with the police and have informed the FA of all the incidents, so that whoever is responsible can be brought to justice.

“Discrimination casts a shadow over football in this country and we will not stop highlighting the problem while it remains rife in the game.”

The Fulham Supporters’ Trust said it was “shocked” at the alleged abuse directed at Christie’s sister, while the club have vowed to issue a lifetime ban to anyone guilty of racist abuse. South Yorkshire Police have been in contact with the club as they try to track down two fans involved in the alleged incident.

A statement from the supporters’ club said: “We condemn any such behaviour and encourage anyone who witnessed the incident to contact the club or police with details. ”