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Saturday, December 24, 2011

Sports News: PFA back strong statement on racism


Luis Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra is a strong statement that racism will not be tolerated, players chief Gordon Taylor has said.


Liverpool striker Suarez is expected to appeal - the Uruguay international's defence was that due to cultural differences he was unaware that language acceptable in his country was viewed as racist in Europe. Liverpool have reacted with fury at the punishment for the 24-year-old, who was also fined £40,000, which was imposed by an FA independent regulatory commission.


"This was an independent commission experienced in law and football and they must have had compelling evidence, and it sends out a very strong message to the rest of the world," said Taylor.


"I understand the point about cultural differences but if you come to this country all players have to abide by not just the laws of the game but the laws of the land as well.


"Referring to someone's skin colour has got to be offensive - it's self-evident.


"No one can say the FA have ducked this issue and bearing in mind outcry in this country over Sepp Blatter's remarks it sends out an important message.


"This is a timely reminder that the FA, the PFA and the clubs to continue education programmes particularly for players coming from abroad that it is never right to make reference to a person's skin colour or nationality."


Taylor said the high-profile nature of the issue, with two of the biggest clubs in the world, would reinforce the message.


He added: "This is a situation involving two of our biggest clubs and a very sensitive time and it reiterates the message we want to get out. We are a multicultural society and a cosmopolitan league and players must have equal respect for people regardless of their nationality or skin colour.


"You can understand Liverpool being upset as they are a top quality club with a top quality manager but perhaps it is a timely reminder that players new to this country need to be advised about what is unacceptable."

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