GARETH SOUTHGATE says Uefa’s three-step protocol to tackle racism already needs a massive overhaul.
The process was implemented after England’s black players suffered disgraceful racial abuse during the 6-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Bulgaria in October.
Gareth Southgate and his England players saw their Euro 2020 qualifying win in Bulgaria held up due to racist abuse from fansCredit: PA:Press Association
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate drew praise for the way he and his England team dealt with the sickening abuse in SofiaCredit: AFP or licensors
It was also employed in Sunday’s Tottenham-Chelsea Premier League derby after Blues defender Antonio Rudiger claimed he was the victim of vile monkey taunts.
But Three Lions manager Southgate believes the system may no longer be fit for purpose.
He said: “It’s sad to talk about racism as much as we have.
“But the reality is that there is an issue in our country and in Europe.
“We shouldn’t hide from the issue, we have the power to make a difference.
“I don’t think a three-step process is something we can keep standing there and say that we’ll go step one, step two . . .
“What does that mean? Everyone gets three goes?
‘PLAYERS KNOW WE ARE UNITED’
“For a one-off in Bulgaria, that worked but, moving forward, that would be less effective.”
Uefa protocol states their first step is to: “Stop the match and instruct the stadium authorities to read out an announcement, calling upon the spectators to stop the discriminatory behaviour.”
Step two continues: “If this announcement does not have the desired effect, make another announcement, suspend the match and send the players to their dressing rooms for a specific period.”
And finally, step three: “After consultation, abandon the match if the discriminatory behaviour still does not cease or breaks out again.”
But in a Christmas Day Sky Sports interview, Southgate added: “The best way we can show people the way forward is by working as we do as a team, where there are no prejudices.
“Everybody is totally together, whatever their background, whatever their religion, whatever the heritage of their individual family.
Gareth Southgate says England became stronger in the aftermath of him axing Raheem Sterling for his flare-up with England squad-mate Joe GomezCredit: PA:Press Association
“We thought, certainly for Bulgaria, there might be problems of racism.
“We’d prepared as well as we could for that situation. The players knew they had the support of all of the staff, the FA and each other.
“They knew they were united on how they all viewed the issue and what steps would be taken if needed. That made it a lot calmer.”
Southgate, 49, also insists his squad has become stronger in the wake of the infamous Raheem Sterling-Joe Gomez bust-up in the England team restaurant.
Southgate axed Manchester City star Sterling for November’s 7-0 Euro 2020 finals-clinching win over Montenegro as punishment for the row.
‘STRONGER THROUGH ADVERSITY’
He said: “There are situations where whatever decision you make will be criticised.
“There are some situations where there isn’t a perfect solution. Time needs to pass. The most important thing is the team.
“We are dealing with young men who are emotional at times.
“Part of the strength of some of our players is that edge they have.
“Through that adversity we are stronger for it.”
Meanwhile, Southgate also revealed he wants to return to club management when he finishes as England boss.
Southgate, hoping to lead the Three Lions to Euro 2020 glory on home soil next summer, added: “I am completely fulfilled in the role, it’s a privilege to be the manager of England.
“In the future? I know I’m not going to be England manager in ten years — I hope to be in six months.
“Somewhere in between that, there is going to be something else.
“I’d be disappointed if I wasn’t linked with some of those jobs if I’m honest.
“I don’t worry about it because my phone has not been ringing.
“I think that is because people know I am committed to the job that I am in.”
And if England win the Euros?
He added: “We’d all be partying on the streets for a while.
“I have to allow everyone to dream and part of my job is to create those dreams.
“I’ve got to also deal with the reality of getting to the point where we can achieve those things.
“It’s a never-ending search for perfection in the knowledge that you will never reach perfection.”
This Saturday’s Premier league sees Norwich take on Tottenham and Burnley v Man Utd
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
