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Troublemakers must be dealt with says Scott Parker

 

Simon Stone
Wednesday 05 October 2011 14:31 BST
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Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker has joined the call for strong action to be taken against the senseless minority whose distasteful chants marred last Sunday's north London derby.

Spurs and Arsenal issued a joint statement in the aftermath of the game in which they outlined their disappointment at the chanting towards Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger and Spurs striker Emmanuel Adebayor in particular.

Parker insists he did not actually hear what was being said at White Hart Lane because he was so focused on a game Spurs eventually won 2-1.

However, the 30-year-old has been around long enough to know what goes on in football grounds and he does not believe it is acceptable for stadiums to be the last bastion of verbal abuse.

"It is probably the one sport that people can abuse other people and it seems half acceptable," he said.

"It is so wrong it is a joke.

"Just because you play for an opposing team doesn't give people the right to abuse you.

"I didn't hear it at the weekend but I have seen some of the stuff that has been written. If that was the case, the people who were involved need to be dealt with."

There may be some trepidation in England ranks about another trip to eastern Europe so soon after the racist chanting that erupted during their Euro 2012 qualifier with Bulgaria last month.

However, minds within Fabio Capello's squad are fully focused on gaining the point required against Montenegro in Podgorica on Friday that would confirm England's place at next summer's finals in Poland and Ukraine.

There are a couple of issues for Capello to resolve.

Manchester United youngster Danny Welbeck is putting forward a credible case to partner Wayne Rooney in attack.

Meanwhile, Parker's Tottenham team-mate Kyle Walker, who has no senior international experience, has caught the eye as Capello looks to fill the right-back slot in the absence of both Glen Johnson and Chris Smalling through injury.

Walker hit the headlines with his brilliant winner against Arsenal, although Parker believes there is far more to the 21-year-old's game than thunderbolt shots.

"Since I have been at Tottenham, Kyle has really stood out," said the midfielder.

"He is a fantastic player. He is young. He has bundles of energy and is very quick.

"He scored a very good goal at the weekend but his performance before that was really good.

"I am sure if he is called upon on Friday he will be more than ready to go."

England can approach their task with confidence given that they have been almost perfect away from home, in contrast to their form at Wembley where they had not won for four games prior to last month's fortunate victory over Wales.

A maximum nine points from three games, in addition to an impressive friendly win in Denmark, means the intimidating atmosphere likely to be waiting for them in Montenegro should not present too many concerns.

For Parker, there is the added incentive of finally making it to a major championships with England, almost eight years after his debut.

"It would be massive for me to qualify," he said.

"It is a great honour for me to represent my country and I probably speak for everyone in the squad when I say it would be a proud moment if we do manage to qualify.

"I have always said how many good midfield players we have.

"It is the manager's decision and I am sure he will put a side out there he feels is best equipped to win on Friday."

Parker should figure as Capello looks for someone to bind his defence with an attack the Italian will give licence to go forward, ignoring the fact England only require a point.

"The fact we only need a point doesn't change our approach one bit," the former West Ham man said.

"Whenever we play for England we want three points. I don't think Friday is any different.

"We are going there to win and qualify for the championships."

PA

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