A NELSON-BASED Euro MP has backed a new drive to give racism the red card.
Sajjad Karim has called on other MEPs to throw their weight behind the campaign to end racism in football.
He said: "Racism is no more acceptable in the football world than it is anywhere else, and footballers have the right to a working environment free of racist abuse.
"Given the number of European competitions in which English teams compete, it makes sense that the issue should be addressed at European level."
A written declaration -- similar to an early day motion in Westminster -- has been raised calling on Europe's football governing body UEFA to introduce tough new rules on racism in football.
Mr Karim added: "Football's popularity makes it an ideal vehicle to spread the message that racist attitudes will not be tolerated in sport."
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