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New Delhi: England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes much more needs to be done by FIFA and the other regulatory bodies to tackle incidents of racism in football. Rooney has called for strict action and tough sanctions for clubs, including fines and points deduction over incidents of racist abuse.

Rooney opened up on how racism is still an issue in modern football and that those who do it often don’t understand the extent of damage they are causing to the victim. He also narrated an incident where one of his players, during his coaching stint with DC United, cried on his chest after being racially abused in a game.

Rooney shared his views on the stronger changes that need to be implemented to counter racism in football after two major incidents of racial abuse came to light in the Premier League over the last few days. Bournemouth’s Antonie Semenyo was allegedly racially abused by a Liverpool supporter during his side’s opener against the Premier League champions last week.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur forward Mathys Tel was also subjected to racial abuse on social media after he missed a penalty for his club in the shootout during their UEFA Super Cup meeting with reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

“I had it in DC with one of my players who got racially abused, and he was crying on my chest. I was holding him as he was crying on my chest,” Rooney recalled during a podcast on the BBC.

“I don’t think people realise — they say it as a throwaway line that they think has no meaning behind it, but it hurts people. For people to see that and understand, there has to be more done to stop it,” he added.

You have to hit the clubs: Wayne Rooney on how to curb racism in football

Semenyo reported racial abuse after being mocked by a Liverpool supporter at Anfield on the opening day of the Premier League season. The incident took place in the first half, leading to the match being halted for some time. Semenyo scored a brace in his side’s 4-2 defeat against the defending champions.

Rooney believes the clubs need to be penalised for such incidents and fines need to be introduced. He also suggested points deduction as a major step to curb such instances, while also urging the organisers to conduct strong campaigns, educating elders, children and everyone involved about racism.

“You have to hit the clubs because that’s the only way it will stop. If there is ignorance, the fans will still do it,” said Rooney.

“You have to hit the clubs by taking off points or hit them in the pocket and take money away from them. Otherwise, it will keep on going. Hopefully the right people sit down with the right organisations to try and get something serious in place,” he added.

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