Is Racism Rife In Football

Football struggles with racism issues

Following the alleged racial abuse levelled at QPR footballer Anton Ferdinand during their game with Chelse. This closely follows the reporting to officials of alleged allegations of racial abuse targeting Patrice Evra during the game between Liverpool and Manchester United

Now we here in the press that a number of footballers are considering stopping wearing the 'One Voice United Against Racism' T-Shirst as a protest against the lack of progress made by the FA and footballs governing bodies in stamping out racism.

Former England striker Les Ferdinand says that racism will continue to be a problem in football as long as the game's authorities do not impose deterrents for abuse by fans or players.

Speaking at the Black List Awards, the former QPR, Newcastle and Tottenham star says that the powers-that-be in the sport prefer to turn a blind eye to the problem, rather than confront the issue head-on.

With Chelsea captain John Terry is facing a Football Association investigation into allegations he racially abused QPR's Anton Ferdinand, while the FA is also investigating claims by Manchester United defender Patrice Evra that Liverpool's Luis Suarez used racist language in the teams' match on 15 October.

PFA chairman Peter Taylor has according to the press offered to mediate in the Evra Suarez affair but surely it is a case of the abuse either took place or it did not hence what is there to mediate.

The questions that need answering are:
Is racism rife in the UK game,
If it is found to be what can be done to eradicate racism in football,
Do the authorities have the stomach to tackle the issue.