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Published on: 1/30/2008
Last Visited: 8/25/2008
Tony Higgins is the head of Politics, Education and Anti-Racism at FifPro, the world players' union, and he works closely with UEFA and many FAs over issues of discrimination.He is enthused by the progress made in the last couple of years to battle sectarian chants: "In the past the Old Firm have been reluctant to admit that there is a problem with sectarian conflict in the stadium but over the last few years they have begun to recognise that it is a problem and that it needs to be dealt with.They have started to confront fans about the chants and gestures and they have adopted a zero tolerance policy."
This may be something to do with the Scottish FA bringing in a rule that could see clubs deducted points for any discriminatory chants, which came into effect at the start of the 2006-07 season.The SPFA have also launched a programme to help eradicate sectarianism: "It's called ‘Football for All'," says Higgins, "and the aim is to try and use the iconic status of footballers to help educate the dangers and evils of sectarianism to fans and, more importantly, children.The players will go to schools and other PR functions, where they will try to distance themselves from the chanting and gestures.The programme is based on the same principles as to those for Kick Racism Out Of Football and Give Racism The Red Card, it's just the issue that is different."
UEFA seem to have made a decision to take action against this less public form of prejudice.They fined Rangers £13,300 for their fans' behaviour in a Champions League match against Villareal and "severely warned" them about future conduct with regards to "discriminatory chanting".Higgins thinks this action is a significant step forward: "UEFA have brought in a policy of zero tolerance towards any discriminatory behaviour, which includes racism, sectarianism, homophobia or gypsyism.