Mixed response in Spain to FIFA's anti-racism stance

MADRID, Mar 18 (Reuters) The president of the Spanish Football League has backed FIFA's new anti-racism proposals, though they received a mixed response from Primera Liga clubs.

''The Spanish league will be pioneers in implementing the new rules,'' Jose Luis Astiazaran told sports daily Sport today.

''They will make the clubs and the fans more aware of the issue.'' On Thursday FIFA announced tough new sanctions for incidences of racism in football, which included match suspensions, the deduction of points, relegation or elimination from competitions.

Confederations and national associations will be compelled to incorporate the measures and infringements could lead to a two-year exclusion from international soccer.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Friday the measures were ''immediately applicable.'' In Spain last month Barcelona's Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o threatened to walk off the pitch during a match at Real Zaragoza's ground after being racially abused by the home fans.

The player was persuaded to continue playing by his coach Frank Rijkaard who has taken a more guarded view on the new proposals.

''It is an interesting first step because it is all about education,'' Rijkaard was quoted as saying on the Barcelona website.

''Sportsmen need to display sportsmanship and respect, but education has to come from the great institutions at a political level or from UEFA and FIFA.

''I am against racist insults or references to your mother.

''But we must proceed with caution when a Federation comes to conclusions without talking to the people involved like the coaches, the directors or the players.'' Barcelona midfielder Oleguer added: ''It is a positive step to take these initiatives but it could be dangerous to punish an entity for the actions of individuals.'' Zaragoza, who have pledged to lead the way in combating racism in stadiums after last month's incident, were not in favour of FIFA's plans.

Club director Jeronimo Suarez told sports daily Marca: ''Combating racism is all about education. I don't think sporting measures will solve anything.'' Zaragoza were fined 9,000 euros (10,960 dollars) by the Spanish Football Federation for the abuse their fans directed at Eto'o.

A number of other clubs including Atletico Madrid, Malaga, Getafe and Real Betis have been fined over the last two years after fans directed racist abuse at visiting players.

In 2004 England's black players were targeted for abuse during an international friendly against Spain in the Bernabeu.

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