Racist supporters must be given life bans, says former Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o

 
Zero tolerance: Samuel Eto’o believes there is no place for racism in the game
Tom Farmery10 March 2015

Former Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o has urged the authorities to ban racist football fans from games for life.

Eto’o, who was back in London last night to receive an award for his work combating racism, said last month’s scenes on the Paris Metro where Chelsea supporters abused a black man brought back memories of his own experiences as a player.

“I was shocked,” he said. “Those images were shocking but we must not say all Chelsea fans are the same because that was only a small group and yes they should be banned but they should be educated too.

“We must continue to fight for tougher laws so that what has happened in Paris and what has happened before can never happen again.”

The four-time African footballer of the year was the victim of racist abuse when he was playing for Barcelona away to Real Zaragoza in 2006. Eto’o threatened to leave the pitch when he heard monkey chants being aimed at him.

He also believes fears the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be marred by racism are misplaced.

Eto’o, who spent two years with Russian club Anzhi, said: “A lot of things have been said about Russia but playing there was one of the best experiences of my career. Of course, I’ve heard stories that didn’t go as well as mine but I’d really like people to go over there because they are really nice people. I don’t think they’ll be any concern for the World Cup.”

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