Only the courts can tackle terrace bigots says soccer club chief
RACISTS and other “bigots” who shout abuse at football matches should be handed the most severe sentences by the courts, the boss of a Premier League club said yesterday.
Paul Barber, chief executive of Brighton and Hove Albion, said clubs needed help as they could only do so much to stop the minority that launch sick insults at rival players and fans.
His plea came after three supporters were arrested for alleged racist and homophobic abuse during Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea onWednesday.
It was the latest in a string of recent incidents that has heaped more shame on British football.
Speaking yesterday, Mr Barber said: “If the prospect of a life ban from watching their clubs play football isn’t a strong enough deterrent, we have to ask the question as to whether the courts should be given the power to hand out more severe punishments?
“Football can only do so much and we are sick and tired of the game’s reputation being tarnished by these people.”
Brighton confirmed two home supporters were ejected from the club’s Amex Stadium on New Year’s Day, one for the racist abuse of Chelsea players and one for homophobic abuse aimed at Chelsea supporters.
A visiting supporter was also ejected for homophobic abuse aimed at Brighton supporters. All three were arrested by Sussex Police outside the stadium and now face prosecution.
The deepening crisis comes just days after Tottenham were embroiled in a racism row amid claims fans racially abused Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger.
Reacting to the news, Sanjay Bhandari, chair of Kick It Out, which campaigns against racism and discrimination in football, said: “Paul Barber makes a clear statement that as discriminatory incidents are occurring week in week out, that more has to be done to eradicate the issues beyond the game too.
“Criminal justice must be taken to limit the reoccurrence of incidents.”
A Government spokesman said: “Racism and homophobia are completely unacceptable and those who carry out this abuse already face tough punishments, including imprisonment and a potential 10-year ban from all football games or imprisonment.”