PFA want racist abuse punishments increased

Referee Andre Marriner steps in as Suarez and Evra clash (Getty Images)

The Professional Footballers Association want to make racist abuse on the field a sackable offence next season.

PFA chief Gordon Taylor has announced the proposal, which would see a clause to that effect written into players' contracts.

It will need the backing of the Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee, which includes the Premier League and Football League, but Taylor told the Guardian: "I don't see a problem with that being introduced.

"It just highlights the point in the standard players' contract. It would say that racist abuse, if found guilty, will be classed as gross misconduct and a reason to terminate a contract.

"I feel it's important to highlight it, bearing in mind what has happened, and not mess about with it and not afford for anybody to be ambiguous about what the consequences are.

"I'm not saying it's ambiguous [now]. But just to really put it in there means there is no misunderstanding on how seriously we take it.

"If any player is found guilty of racist abuse, the club and the player need to be aware that could be a solid reason for terminating the contract."

In tandem with the new contractual measure, Taylor also wants to improve education around the issue of racism.

"Rather than just concentrate on the young apprentices as part of their curriculum, we want to introduce it to all senior players," he said.

"Also that when players come in from abroad, to try and have an educational process for them and the owners of the club and management."

PA