‘Hate is still alive and well within football’

DISCRIMINATORY behaviour by fans at Premier League matches on Sunday demonstrates that “hate is alive and well within football”, according to Kick It Out.

Two supporters were arrested on suspicion of a racially-aggravated public order offence following the match between Tottenham and Burnley in London, with a video appearing to show a visiting fan performing a Nazi salute.

Later, two Brentford players, Rico Henry and Ivan Toney, reported that members of their family had been racially abused at the game against Everton at Goodison Park.

Kick It Out’s head of player engagement Troy Townsend said: “We have been made aware of a spate of alleged anti-Semitic and racist comments and gestures linked to several clubs over the weekend.

“While investigations are ongoing, we cannot comment on the specifics of cases. However, the events of the weekend again highlight the fact that hate is still alive and well within football.

“Tottenham, Burnley and Everton all acted swiftly and we commend their energy in addressing these incidents. We hope appropriate and decisive action is taken against all those involved.

“Our support goes out to the victims. We will not stop fighting until hate is eradicated from our sport. Football is a game for everyone.”

■ VAR is set to be used for all of the English Football League play-off finals at Wembley.

The EFL had already given VAR the green light for the first time in this season’s Championship final on May 29, with the League One and League Two games now also to have the system in place.

Sunderland face Wycombe in the League One showpiece this weekend, while the League Two and Championship finals follow the weekend after.