By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
It has been reported that the English FA (Football Association) is introducing tougher sanctions for discrimination in the new season.
Players found guilty of discrimination of any kind in football will face a suspension of at least 10 matches.
Previously, suspensions ranged from six to 12 matches for “aggravated breaches” of FA Rule E3.2, which applies to misconduct relating to ethnic origin, colour, race, nationality, religion, sex, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, or disability.
The tougher sanctions will also apply to managers and individuals in the technical area and are part of the FA commitment to "delivering a game free from discrimination".
In a Statement, the FA remarked:
"While significant progress has been made in recent years, discriminatory conduct continues to be a challenge across the game…. [and] …. [e]nhanced measures are necessary to tackle this abhorrent conduct."
A suspension above the new standard minimum of 10 matches may be imposed if there are "significant" aggravating factors.
Equally, suspensions of a minimum of six matches may also be imposed where there are mitigating circumstances or an individual has admitted the breach at the earliest opportunity.
Furthermore, individuals, who have committed two or more aggravated breaches on separate occasions, may face suspensions of more than 12 matches or suspensions of any duration in "very serious cases".
Discrimination, especially of a racial kind, continues to be a blot on ‘the beautiful game’ and must be kicked out!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘