November 8 – US women’s football star Megan Rapinoe, who became a global icon after capturing the hearts of millions of fans worldwide during the women’s World Cup and who has led the campaign for gender equality, has accused football’s stakeholders of reacting insufficiently to the recent scourge of racist abuse.
Speaking to BBC radio, Rapinoe said it was time for all elements of the game to take a tougher stance.
“We’re not going to accept this. This is not something that’s going to be in our game,” she said. “So I feel like all of the clubs and the presidents and fan groups and everyone, you know, frankly are failing these players.”
Rapinoe branded the £65,000 fine handed by UEFA to Bulgaria following an outbreak of racism during the recent Euro 2020 with England as way too lenient.
Although Bulgaria were also ordered to play two games behind closed doors, one of them suspended for two years, Rapinoe said a lifetime ban for the culprits should be given.
“If you’re ever caught doing anything racist you should be banned for life. That’s just the end of it. I mean £65,000 is an absolute joke.”
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