MPs call for inquiry into football racism

Oldham Athletic's Tom Adeyemi is calmed by Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt during their FA Cup third round tie

POLITICIANS have called for an inquiry into racism in football, after Oldham defender Tom Adeyemi was apparently subjected to racist abuse from a supporter during an FA Cup match with Liverpool.

Politicians claim the FA and individual clubs are dragging their feet over the issue.

The comments from members of the All–Party Football Group (APFG) came after Adeyemi broke down in tears after apparently being subjected to racist abuse from a supporter in the stands at Anfield during an FA Cup clash with Liverpool.

A 20–year–old man was arrested and bailed for allegedly racially abusing the player at the match on Friday.

Mike Hancock, Liberal Democrat MP for Portsmouth South and a member of the APFG, said: “An inquiry will be welcome, but it has to have real teeth. The abuse is completely unacceptable.”

Race rows have plagued football in recent weeks, with England captain John Terry accused of racially abusing a player — a claim he strenuously denies — and Liverpool’s Uruguayan star Luis Suarez receiving an eight–match ban for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

Mr Hancock said: “The FA themselves have dragged their feet repeatedly over this.

“They are just so unable to feel the resentment over their inaction over racism and the general malaise football is in.”

Mr Hancock also aimed his ire at the clubs involved. “It is totally irresponsible, the clubs’ attitude on it,” he said. “They are talking the talk but they are not doing much about it.”

He was backing up an initial call from Ian Lucas, Labour MP for Wrexham and an APFG member, to help clubs and the FA who are struggling to deal with the issue.

“It would be helpful to have an inquiry,” he said. “There seems to be a particular problem at the moment.”

Piara Powar, head of European football’s anti–racism group, FARE, criticised Liverpool at the weekend, saying the saga over Suarez’s ban has created a tribal fervour at Anfield that could have contributed to the abuse of Adeyemi, which appeared to come from the home supporters’ section.

Liverpool FC issued an apology for the abuse of Adeyemi: “Whatever the outcome of what is now a police investigation, all of us are deeply sorry for what happened on Friday night and our players and our club pass on our sincere regrets to Tom Adeyemi for the upset and distress he suffered as a result of the matter at hand.”

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said: “If Tom or the police want any help in any way, shape or form then we’ll give it to them. For me, the most important thing is that as a football club we all stick together.”