EFL: THERE’S NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE

THE EFL and their clubs have insisted there will be no let-up in tackling discrimination and prejudiced behaviour at matches.

Following the disgraceful scenes that marred England’s victory in Bulgaria in midweek – when some home fans made Nazi salutes and monkey noises – the League are reminding supporters that no forms of abuse will be tolerated.

In a statement issued on Friday, the EFL said: “Everyone attending or taking part in a football match has the right to feel safe, valued and included and supporters are therefore being reminded of the positive steps that can be taken on matchdays.

“Work is continuing with the Premier League and the Football Association to improve processes and procedures in place to address discrimination in stadiums, with commitments made to review how clubs sanction and educate offenders, tackle under-representation across all levels of the game and improve training provisions for stewards to ensure they are best equipped to recognise and respond to issues as they arise.

“However, there is no room for complacency and, on Show Racism the Red Card day, the EFL and its clubs are reinforcing the collective approach to be taken under the header ‘Not today or any day’, if anyone experiences, or is subject to, discriminatory behaviour.”

If supporters witness discrimination of any kind, the EFL is recommending the following responses:

1. Report it to a steward or police officer. Reporting incidents early helps clubs to take immediate action.

2. Confidentially report it via the Kick It Out App, available on iPhone and Android

3. Report it to Kick it Out on social media (@KickItOut), phone (0800 169 9414) or email (info@kickitout.org)

4. Via the Kick It Out website form at https://www.kickitout.org/forms/online-reporting-form

In addition, clubs, players, managers and officials have also been reminded of a matchday protocol introduced to domestic football ahead of this season, alongside the Football Association and the Premier League, in an attempt to ensure the matchday environment provides a positive experience for all.

The protocol is designed to ensure incidents of abuse are effectively addressed, perpetrators are identified and dealt with, while at the same time making sure the match is not unduly interrupted with a step by step guide mapped out to support participants to take the right course of action.