• Premier League

Premier League leading fight against racism - Scudamore

ESPNsoccernet staff
January 12, 2012
Luis Suarez was slapped with an eight-match ban for the incident involving Patrice Evra © Getty Images
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Richard Scudamore, the Premier League chief executive, has stated his intention to see English football leading the fight against racism.

A parliamentary inquiry into racism in sport has been scheduled for March 6 in response to the recent Luis Suarez case and allegations of racism against John Terry.

Liverpool striker Suarez is serving an eight-match suspension for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra while England captain Terry has been charged by the police for allegedly racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand. Terry denies the charge.

The high-profile incidents have placed the issue very much in the public eye, but Scudamore insists English football is unrivalled in its desire to rid the game of racism.

"When it comes to the racism issue there is zero tolerance," he said. "We as a sport have led the line and continue to lead the line, there's no room for it. I'm absolutely confident that England football's record in dealing with this issue is good. All that's happened in the last few weeks has been dealt with.

"Look at the reaction to it from the media, supporters and public. It's been dealt with. I'm proud that we're in a country that can deal with it. The reaction we've seen here is far better than what happens in many other countries, where it wouldn't have even got any column inches."

Liverpool bosses are expected to appear before the parliamentary inquiry and Scudamore says the Premier League would also have no problem with being involved.

"The government is entitled to do what they think is in the public interest. If they want to raise it, that's fine," he said.

"Whether or not we'll be asked to take part I don't know. On the basis that I assume we might be, we'll go along and talk about the fantastic work we've done. But nobody's complacent, there's always work to be done. If there's more we can do then fine."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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