Europa League: William Gallas calls for ruling bodies to act on racism

Spurs celebrate Emmanuel Adebayor’s goal scores (EPA)

Tottenham defender William Gallas believes his team-mates would be within their rights to walk off the pitch, if they find themselves on the end of racial abuse again.

Racist chants were directed at Emmanuel Adebayor during Spurs’ game against Internazionale at San Siro, the second leg of a tie which was won on away goals and earned a quarter-final with Basle.

Jermain Defoe, Aaron Lennon and Andros Townsend experienced racial abuse in the match against Lazio in September, and during the return game in Rome Lazio fans mocked Spurs’ links with the Jewish community. Apparent anti-Semitic attacks on fans in both Rome and Lyon made a depressing trend more alarming.

Gallas believes he would be justified in following the example of Kevin-Prince Boateng, the Milan midfielder who walked off after being targeted during a friendly against Pro Patria earlier this year.

“Some players have left the pitch to show they are disappointed,” said Gallas. “I understand it and that shows we are not happy about this. Fifa and Uefa have to take their decision. They have to understand what we can feel when we are on the pitch.”