Fighting racism in football needs urgent action, says Souness

Graeme Souness has urged everyone to stand up and be counted to chase racism out of football after this weekend’s issues continue to blight the game.

Bristol City are currently investigating reports of racist language from supporters against Luton Town while the FA Cup qualifying match between Haringey Borough and Yeovil was abandoned after the players walked off the pitch due to alleged racist abuse.

And Souness, speaking as a Sky Sports pundit alongside Roy Keane and Jose Mourinho ahead of Manchester United vs Liverpool, live on Sky Sports Premier League, launched a scathing attack on "the idiots" spoiling it for everyone.

"Historically the mantra has always been 'it's just a few people that turn up and spoil it for everyone'", Souness said.

"I think we've now reached a point where it now has to be spoilt for everyone - whether it's players walking off, closing parts of grounds or indeed closing entire stadiums.

"We have to stand up and be counted - you cannot accept this in the 21st century, we're meant to be an educated country.

"Football mirrors society and if you are a decision-maker or part of the establishment then do something about it now.

"Don't talk about what you are going to do in a month's time, six months' time or a year. Act on it now.

"It's with us now, it's current, it's in our face so deal with it now. Be strong, don't be shy, don't be timid. Stand up to these idiots and chase them as far down the road as you can.

"This cannot go on as it's a reflection on all of us - people see Britain as a major influence throughout the world so lets be at the forefront and come up with something radical to challenge it and show we're not prepared to accept it."