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Roberto Martinez calls on FIFA and UEFA to act over Yaya Toure's racial abuse
ROBERTO MARTINEZ has called on football’s governing bodies to bring strong sanctions against clubs whose fans are guilty of racism in an attempt to drive the problem out of the game once and for all.
The Everton manager insisted Fifa and Uefa had to “make a real strong stamp” on the issue in the aftermath of Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure being targeted by the bigots in Moscow.
Ivory Coast international Toure was subjected to racist abuse during City’s 2-1 win over CSKA to bring the problem back into the spotlight.
Martinez believes football can no longer be half-hearted in its reaction to the problem.
“It is a real shame,” said Martinez. “I don’t think we should be talking about these issues any more. It is important that Fifa and all the football authorities can do something about it.
“They must not let it go and accept it. It must not be another moment that can just be brushed aside.
“This is a time to make a real strong stamp on the issue of racism and make sure it doesn’t happen again.
“We shouldn’t see this happening season after season.
“It has been frustrating and disappointing to see that because the only thing we are speaking about is that remark, or moment, when we should be talking about a very good victory for an English club away in Russia.
“It is a disappointing and something that should be taken away from the game.”