PFA proposes racial abuse clause

Professional Footballers Association chief Gordon Taylor has announced a proposal that would see racial abuse on the field become a sackable offence.


There were two high-profile cases of alleged racial abuse between players in England last season and Taylor feels that anyone found guilty should be dismissed for gross misconduct.

"I don't see a problem with that being introduced," Taylor told The Guardian. "It just highlights the point in the standard players' contract. It would say that racist abuse, if found guilty, will be classed as gross misconduct and a reason to terminate a contract.

"I feel it's important to highlight it, bearing in mind what has happened, and not mess about with it and not afford for anybody to be ambiguous about what the consequences are.

"I'm not saying it's ambiguous [now], but just to really put it in there means there is no misunderstanding on how seriously we take it. If any player is found guilty of racist abuse, the club and the player need to be aware that could be a solid reason for terminating the contract."

The proposal would need the backing of the Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee, which includes the Premier and Football League.

Glen Damon wrote:Will it be brought in gradually, or will it immediately be implemented with a permanent ban for first offenders?

ResurrectionRooney wrote:

Glen Damon wrote:Will it be brought in gradually, or will it immediately be implemented with a permanent ban for first offenders?

Unfortunately the Football Association cannot compel teams to terminate the contracts of their players, this ruling would simply allow them to do that in the same way they can sack a player for taking drugs. They can then sue him for his value to the club, as Chelsea successfully did to Adrian Mutu.

ResurrectionRooney wrote:No prizes for guessing how Liverpool fans have reacted to this.