New commission on cards to battle racism in Spain

The Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) has presented a motion to create a commission to combat racism in sport.

Spain coach Luis Aragones was recently fined after his controversial comments made about Arsenal’s black striker Thierry Henry.

There have been a number of incidents of racist chanting aimed towards high-profile players in the Primera Liga.

The governing party in Spain has presented the motion, which has the support of all parties in the Spanish senate.

PSOE spokesperson Patricia Hernandez said: “Xenophobic attitudes are a disgrace to sport and to all of society. They don’t just insult (black players) Samuel Eto’o or Roberto Carlos, but they insult football, sport and all of us.

“This minority of fans are racist and xenophobic as well as cowards who hide among the multitudes in grounds,” said Hernandez, who added racism was not just a problem in the Primera Liga.

She added: “Lower levels also suffer this problem and youngsters and children, who play and try to copy their heroes also receive racist insults.”