BOBBY BARNES has vowed to impose serious punishments for racism — after becoming the first non-white face on Uefa’s disciplinary board.
The ex-West Ham winger and PFA deputy chief executive was backed by the FA for the role.
Bobby Barnes says the Uefa system for tackling racism needs a major overhaulCredit: Rex Features
Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin has insisted action is being taken against racism in European footballCredit: REUTERS
And Barnes, 57, pledged to demand a new hardline approach on racists.
Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin trumpeted “73 partial closures and 39 matches played behind closed doors” over the past three years as a sign of their determination.
But Barnes said: “You have to have a deterrent.
“Up to now, these sanctions haven’t worked.
“So we have to start looking at more draconian punishments.
The wider public have questioned whether the punishment fits the crime. Any disciplinary body wants to see justice is seen to be done.
Bobby Barnes
“We need to find something that works because what we’ve got at the moment doesn’t work.
“The wider public have looked on and questioned whether the punishment fits the crime.
“Any disciplinary body wants to see justice is being seen to be done.
“There have been a few incidents where those decisions would have been different if taken by a wider group.
“As a little lad going to watch West Ham, I had to run a mile down the road for a bus from a place I wouldn’t be a target.
“I’ve been working in football administration for 21 years now.
“The important thing is that those making judgements in those committees have walked a mile in those shoes.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
