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FA Chairman condemns racist chants

David Bernstein says racist chanting is "unacceptable" Credit: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

Football Association chairman David Bernstein has condemned the monkey-chanting aimed at Tottenham's players in their defeat against Inter Milan last night.

Striker Emmanuel Adebayor was subjected to the racist chanting on several occasions during his team's 4-1 defeat to Inter, while one home fan was also seen waving an inflatable banana.

Despite repeated attempts by UEFA and FIFA to stamp out racism in football, the problem keeps rearing its head and Bernstein admits the regularity of such abuse is worrying for the game.

"I condemn the racist abuse that Tottenham Hotspur players suffered at last night's Europa League fixture in Milan," Bernstein said in a statement on the FA's website.

"It is unacceptable and concerning that clubs in Europe have had to endure recurrences of abuse this season.

"I am sure UEFA will take appropriate action but it also reminds us of the need to work collectively across national and international football authorities to deal with this serious issue, as we are also doing in this country.

"This is a matter I will take up as a priority with the new FIFA anti-racism and discrimination task force when I meet its head Jeffrey Webb in the near future."

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Tottenham demand action after 'racist abuse'

UEFA is expected to decide today on whether Inter Milan will face action after racist abuse appeared to be directed at Tottenham players in last night's Europa League tie.

Spurs lost the last-16 second leg but progressed to the quarter-finals on away goals after the tie finished 4-4 on aggregate.

However, the main talking point after the match revolves around the racist abuse directed at Tottenham players.

Monkey chants appeared to be aimed at several Spurs players, notably goalscorer Emmanuel Adebayor, while a fan was seen with an inflatable banana.

It is not the first time Spurs have had problems against Italian sides this season, with Lazio reprimanded for racist behaviour in both their Group J ties.

Inter have also recently been punished for racist abuse and manager Andre Villas-Boas expects governing body UEFA to act.

"It was very, very easy to hear the chanting so I am sure that UEFA will act on it.

"It's difficult for Inter Milan because it is something that in some way has happened before.

"It doesn't mar the game but it is something that should have been avoided."

– Andre Villas-Boas, Tottenham manager
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Spurs boss: 'Very easy to hear racist chanting'

Andre Villas-Boas seen on the touchline in Milan last night. Credit: PA

Andre Villas-Boas expects UEFA to take action against Inter Milan after their supporters appeared to racially abuse Tottenham players on Thursday night.

"It's a very sensitive situation," Spurs manager Villas-Boas said of the chanting. "UEFA set out to act on that situation.

"It was very, very easy to hear the chanting so I am sure that UEFA will act on it.

"It's difficult for Inter Milan because it is something that in some way has happened before.

"It doesn't mar the game but it is something that should have been avoided."

National

Reports of racist chants at Spurs Europa League clash

It has been reported that Tottenham players were tonight subjected to racist chants by Inter Milan supporters, who were also seen waving an inflatable banana.

Spurs lost 4-1 after extra-time on the night but progressed to the Europa League quarter-finals on away goals after the tie finished 4-4 on aggregate.

Tottenham Hotspur's Emmanuel Adebayor runs at the Inter Milan defence. Credit: Nick Potts/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Monkey chants appeared to be aimed at several Tottenham players, notably goalscorer Emmanuel Adebayor, while a fan was seen with an inflatable banana.

For more on this story visit ITV Football

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Tottenham response to attack

"Club officials attended an incident last night in Lyon. A group of around 50 people confronted fans. The situation was dealt with and arrests were made within the hour. Three fans sustained minor injuries and received prompt medical assistance.

"Spurs officials and stewards will be in the city throughout the day, along with match day French police ahead of kick-off."

– Tottenham spokesman
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