Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what action he is taking to eliminate racism in football. [131758]
§ Kate Hoey[holding answer 21 July 2000]The Government believe that the Football Task Force's first report provided an effective blueprint for eliminating racism in football. The report's one recommendation for the Government was implemented by means of Section 9 of the Football (Offences and Disorder) Act 1999, which made the chanting of racist material by individual supporters an offence.
The report's other recommendations were intended for the football authorities, and a number of these have already been implemented under the aegis of the Kick it Out campaign. I understand that the sport's governing bodies will shortly announce a review of the implementation of the Task Force's reports on racism, disabled access and community involvement.