By Andrew Warshaw
November 27 – The latest publicised outbreak of racism in a major European league has prompted FIFA President Sepp Blatter to intervene by saying he was “sickened” by the reports.
Real Betis supporters appeared to make racist gestures towards their own Brazilian-born defender Paulao after he was sent off during Sunday’s 4-0 derby defeat by arch-rivals Sevilla.
The referee did not mention the episode in his match report but a group of Betis fans were shown on Spanish television making what appeared to be monkey chants at Paulao after he was dismissed.
“Sickened to learn of ‘fans’ racially abusing a Real Betis player,” Blatter wrote on his Twitter feed. “I condemn their actions, which were seen on TV/online by millions.”
“FIFA’s members approved a resolution at congress in May to tackle discrimination. It’s time for tougher sanctions. This has to be tackled by ALL competition organisers.”
Betis published a brief statement on their own Twitter feed after the match in which they said the club condemned any “violent or racist act”, whether directed at an opponent or one of their own players.
“The behaviour of a few who do not represent the club’s fans is also disgusting to Real Betis. To stamp out this kind of behaviour the role of organizations like FIFA is also important.”
Paulao himself said Sunday’s chanting was “a disgraceful act” and went on: “My family, in Brazil as well as here in Spain, are sad and worried. When I left the pitch I was only upset about the sending off and I did not notice, although my friends told me about it later. It’s good that this gets a lot of publicity so that action can be taken. We are all the same. Skin colour changes nothing.”
Monkey chants are regularly directed at black players at stadiums across Spain. Several years ago when he played for Barcelona Samuel Eto’o was a victim and last month Elche fans turned on Granada Allan Nyom who reacted by angrily kicking the ball towards them and was booked. The referee, who mentioned the abuse in his report, then ordered an announcement to be made telling the Elche fans to desist.
Earlier this year FIFA set up an anti-racism task force headed by CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb and at its Congress in May approved tougher sanctions for serious incidents including playing games behind closed doors and, in extreme cases, point deductions and expulsion from competitions.
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