MPs to hold inquiry into racism in sport

A committee of MPs is to hold an inquiry into racism in sport following the Luis Suarez case and allegations against John Terry.

The culture, media and sport select committee have agreed to look into the issue, with an evidence session scheduled for March 6, and representatives from Liverpool could be summoned.

Committee member Damian Collins told Press Association Sport: "I think the events of the last two weeks have reignited concerns about racism in the game.

"Although this session will not necessarily be restricted to football it will be the principle area of inquiry following the Suarez case and the concerns that have arisen from that."

Collins said the committee had only decided today to hold the session and the witnesses and terms of reference will be decided closer to the date of the inquiry.

Liverpool striker Suarez's eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra and a police charge against England captain Terry, who denies any wrongdoing, for allegedly racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand have thrust the issue back into the spotlight.

Liverpool have also apologised to Tom Adeyemi, the Oldham defender who was allegedly racially abused at Anfield on Friday night. A 20-year-old fan is on police bail.

Liverpool Walton MP Steve Rotheram has been pushing for the committee to hold an inquiry.

Rotheram said: "I continue to support the 'Show Racism the Red Card' initiative and believe, given the nature of recent events, that it would be appropriate for this issue to be looked at by parliamentarians from all parties and from different football/sporting and non-sporting allegiances.

"Sport should be rightly proud that in many ways it has led the field in tackling social issues such as racism, homophobia and sectarianism and it will be interesting to see what conclusions the select committee draw from the evidence session."

PA