Zero racism tolerance at the World Cup

Racism is a constant problem in sports. The latest incidents in Spain and US are worryingly just a month away from the World Cup in Brazil. UEFA slammed Spain over the last two racism scandals.

The administrative body in European football warned Spanish authorities and called for actions immediately after these incidents. In the last month Brazilian footballer Dani Alves was provoked in Villareal after being thrown at a banana. His reaction, of eating the banana sparked a world wide anti racism campaign.

The latest one involved Levante's midfielder Papakouli Diop. He was subjected to monkey taunts from Atletico Madrid fans. He danced in front of these taunts while the Spanish TV broadcasting the game caught on tape angry fans making monkey like gestures. “It is a provocation I get in many grounds. It has to stop. I don't know if it is racism or lack of respect,” said visible affected Diuf after the incident. Racism also struck the U.S. After LA Clippers owner, Donald Sterling made some offensive statements that leaked out. 

“UEFA has tough rules and sanctions against all forms of discrimination for all of its competitors. UEFA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination including recent racist behaviour of fans in Spain,” said Petro Pinto, UEFA spokesman.

The Football World Cup in Brazil starts in a month and the biggest Football governing body, FIFA is afraid of racism gestures, but stated it will have zero tolerance in Brazil. “What Dani Alves tolerated is an outrage! We must fight all forms of discrimination united. There will be zero tolerance at the World Cup in Brazil,” Sepp Blatter, FIFA's chief said.