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Paul Lambert: I would back Aston Villa players if they took stance against racism
ASTON VILLA manager Paul Lambert would support his players walking off the pitch if they were racially abused by fans.
Europe’s governing football body, UEFA, has opened disciplinary proceedings against CSKA Moscow for the alleged racist behaviour of their fans during the home Champions League match against Manchester City.
City midfielder Yaya Toure said he was subjected to racist chanting during his team's 2-1 win in Moscow on Wednesday.
The case will be dealt with by UEFA’S disciplinary board on October 30 with CSKA saying the racist claim is unfounded.
“There’s never a place for racism in society, let alone a football stadium,” said Lambert.
“People say they’re going to do x, y and z and punish them, but the punishment is never strong enough. There’s never been one massive statement made that has made people think ‘We can’t be doing that’.
“It’s always little sanctions and little things, there’s never been a proper statement made to eradicate that.”
UEFA announced in May that in racist incidents involving spectators a partial stadium closure would be applied for the first offence and a full stadium closure for a second, coupled with a fine of £42,800.
AC Milan’s Kevin Prince-Boateng walked off the pitch in January this year during a friendly game when the fans of another Italian club, Pro Patria, bated him and his team mates followed him off.
“The AC Milan lad walked off didn’t he. Did they all walk off? That would have been interesting if Manchester City had done it in the magnitude of that game,” said Lambert.
“I would support my players if they walked off for something like that, yes, you’re in it together.
“Whether you’re winning, losing or drawing, it’s immaterial, there’s no place for that.”