Will the FA act on this?

By: j | December 1st, 2008

My opinion on the FA waivers from doing a “satisfactory” job in the games to development to complete scorn over the less than acceptable disclosure on business relationships they maintain, yet through it all I am hopeful when it comes to issues related to fan violence and racism they will squash it with the firmest of hands.

In this past weekends match against Middlesbrough, reports circulated that Egyptian capped striker Mido was the subject of racially-laced chats from Newcastle supporters. Sadly this is the repeat of similar situation last year.

Per the BBC, a spokesman for the FA said:

“We’ll work with the clubs and potentially the police to identify those responsible. We would call for individuals found guilty to be banned.”

Newcastle has stated that they do not condone this type of behaviour and ‘Boro manager Gareth Southgate commented that Newcastle should not punished:

“We have to rise above it. If people want to shout those things it’s a reflection on them. There’s a danger that we go on a witch hunt. What do you do? Punish the club? They can’t do anything about their travelling fans. It’s an individual decision to sing what they want. I don’t think that’s fair. How can a club the size of Newcastle control individuals? It’s a sensitive one and I understand the importance, but I don’t want to put the pressure on an excellent club like Newcastle.”

I understand and respect Mr. Southgate’s commentary but action is needed. Whilst the FA can promote much needed respect towards officiating it must take a firm hard-line of ensuring racism is stamped out. The real beauty of the beautiful game is how it brings people together. I warrant the mantle of responsibility is not an easy one to bear but the FA must rise up and take the hardest of hard-line stances.