FIFA launches probe into Bernabeu abuse
Thursday, 18 November 2004FIFA will hold an investigation and demand answers from the Spanish Football Federation after home fans hurled racist abuse at England's black players in the friendly international between the two countries in Madrid last night.
The FA and the British Sports Minister Richard Caborn condemned the incidents and have contacted FIFA about the chanting, which included monkey noises. Racist abuse was also heard at the corresponding under-21 friendly on Tuesday.
"FIFA is concerned about the latest surge of racism in football and harshly condemns these incidents," a statement said.
"FIFA will be investigating the circumstances of the two friendly matches between Spain and England as they come under FIFA's ambit. It will demand explanations from the Spanish football association."
FIFA President Sepp Blatter said: "There is no room whatsoever for racism or discrimination in our sport. On the contrary, football is a tool for building bridges and nurturing tolerance.
"The world is already too full of conflict that has its roots in racism and discrimination. Football has a positive influence that can and must be used to eradicate this scourge."
The Spanish foreign ministry also condemned the abuse.
However, the Spanish Football Federation tried to deflect some of the blame on to English journalists for 'over-emphasising' the problem.
